How Do I Get My Sciatic Nerve to Stop Hurting?

Sciatic nerves run down from the lower back to the legs. Sometimes, there is pressure on the nerves from a bone spur or slipped disc. Sciatica occurs when compression, pinching, irritation, or inflammation affects one or several nerves.
 

While the condition is rarely serious, it can cause discomfort. Some people experience the sensation of pins and needles, while others say it feels more like stabbing or electric shock. Find out how to get your sciatic nerve to stop hurting.
 

About Sciatica

Sciatica is pain or discomfort caused by irritation or injury to the sciatic nerve — the body’s longest nerve. There are sciatic nerves on both sides of the body, running through the hip and butt on each side.
 

The nerves go down the side of each leg to reach below the knee. Pressure to the nerves or spinal cord causes pain, and patients also experience numbness or tingling in the back. The symptoms often radiate down the leg and may extend to the feet and toes.
 

What Causes Sciatica

Sciatica is a relatively common condition affecting approximately 40% of individuals in the country. It usually affects older individuals, but younger individuals may also suffer from it due to injury. Sciatica is caused by conditions that affect the sciatic nerve.
 

The conditions include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disk disease, spondylolisthesis, and osteoarthritis. Sciatica can also occur due to injuries, pregnancy, and tumors or cysts.
 

Symptoms of Sciatica

While symptoms are mild for most people, they can be severe for others. The symptoms include:

• Pain caused by pressure on the affected nerves
• Back or leg numbness
• Tingling sensation or “pins and needles”
• Muscle weakness
• Urinary or fecal incontinence

Most people recover from sciatica after treatment or management. Some patients may experience long-term complications, such as permanent nerve damage.
 

Risk Factors for Sciatica

Several factors can increase the risk of developing sciatica. A previous or current spine or lower back injury can increase the risk of sciatica. Normal wear and tear, obesity or excess weight, physical inactivity, poor lifting posture, and insufficient core strength are risk factors.
 

Having diabetes, your job, and tobacco use can make you more likely to get sciatica. Making lifestyle changes can help to prevent sciatica.
 

How to Stop Sciatica Pain

Treating sciatica can help to reduce pain and increase mobility. There are things you can do to stop your sciatic nerve from hurting. Treatment options include:

• Application of cold packs and hot packs (heating pads).
• Increasing physical activity and stretching exercises.
• OTC medications to reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation.
• Prescription medications.
• Physical therapy.
• Spinal injections.
• Alternative therapy, such as chiropractic care and acupuncture.

If conservative treatment options fail to provide relief, the doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery can help to prevent permanent nerve damage for patients with severe sciatica.
 

Chiropractic Care for Sciatica

Visiting a chiropractor can help to treat sciatica. Spinal adjustments, chiropractic massage, and other techniques are safe and effective solutions to relieve sciatic nerve pain. Spinal manipulations help to restore spinal movement, improve range of motion, and reduce back pain. A chiropractor can create a treatment program and recommend exercises to improve posture and strengthen core muscles.
 

Your healthcare provider can help to determine the underlying cause of sciatic nerve pain.
 

For more on how to get your sciatic nerve to stop hurting, visit Dakota Clinic of Chiropractic. Our office is in West Fargo, North Dakota. Call (701) 566-5455 to book an appointment today.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377441