If you are suffering from sciatica, you’re not alone. Sciatica affects up to 40% of people at some point in their lives.

If you’re struggling with sciatic nerve pain, check out this guide to learn what causes your pain and how to get rid of sciatica.

What is Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is in the lower back and extends down the back of each leg via the buttocks. It ends below the knee. It is the widest and longest nerve in the body.

The sciatic nerve’s purpose is to control muscles in the lower leg. It also supplies sensations to the skin in the lower leg and the foot.

Sciatica describes a pain that is associated with the sciatic nerve. It is not to be confused with other pains in the back and is not confined to the back. Sciatic pain can run from the lower back, through the buttocks, and into the leg.

What are the Symptoms?

If you experience a shooting pain somewhere between the lower back, the buttocks, or down either of your legs you may have sciatica. Pain in your buttocks or leg may be worsened when you sit down.

You may also experience numbness anywhere along the sciatic nerve and is generally on only one side of the body. Some people experience pins and needles or tingling in the feet and toes. 

The shooting pains may also make it difficult to sit down or stand up and you may find it difficult to move your leg or foot. 

Everybody’s experience of pain is different. In the case of sciatica, the pain can range between severe, debilitating pain to mild discomfort. Sitting for a long time can exacerbate the condition.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica has several causes. It may be caused by spinal stenosis — the narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower end of the back.

Alternatively, it may be due to a ruptured or herniated disc. The discs act as cushions between vertebrae and if they are affected by a degenerative disc disease they start to fail.

Spondylolisthesis is a condition where one vertebra slides forward over another one. This can also result in sciatica.

Other causes or factors that may worsen sciatica are pregnancy, muscle spasms, being overweight, lack of exercise, a poor mattress or wearing high heels.

How to Get Rid of Sciatica

Treatments for sciatica depend on the nature of sciatica itself. Acute sciatica is often treated with mild over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen.

Exercise is also prescribed. Both walking and stretching are recommended. Pain can also respond well to a hot or cold compress.

While many medical doctors recommend surgery for chronic sciatica, is can be treated effectively with chiropractic and the DRS Protocol®.

The DRS Protocol®

The DRS Protocol® is a safe alternative to surgery for the treatment of sciatic pain. It was developed by Dr. Busch of the Busch Chiropractic Center in Fort Wayne and has helped thousands of patients get relief from chronic pain conditions including sciatica without surgery. It is noninvasive and does not require any harmful drugs or downtime.

This effective sciatica treatment is a combination of multiple therapies which include spinal decompression, chiropractic, and nutrition, and is customized to each patient’s condition.  

Exercises

Some exercises can help alleviate the pain associated with sciatica. Always talk to your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.

The first exercise is to sit on a chair with your legs bent and your feet touching the floor. Lift your feet up together so that your legs are as near straight in front of you. At the same time look upwards.

Hold the position with your legs up for 5 seconds and then return to the relaxed position. Wait for 5 seconds. Repeat ten times.

The second exercise starts by sitting on the floor with your feet against a wall. Keep your legs straight and your feet against the wall.

Interlock your fingers behind your neck and bring your elbows inwards, towards each other. Slump slightly forward.

Hold the position for 30 seconds. This exercise may cause you a sharp pain down the back of your leg but this is fine. Return to a relaxed position and repeat three times.

If this is too intense for you, a less demanding exercise is to remain seated but lean back slightly and support your weight on your arms behind you. Arch your back by rolling your pelvis forward. Hold the position for 30 seconds and do it three times.

Sciatica Relief

 You don’t have to suffer when you know how to get rid of sciatica. If you think you may have the symptoms of sciatica, contact us today to learn how to get relief without surgery or harmful drugs.