Sciatica Care in Greenwood
A shooting pain that starts in your lower back and travels down one leg can make sitting, standing, or sleeping uncomfortable. Sciatica is a common form of nerve pain that may be associated with disc problems, spinal changes, or other factors affecting the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica vs. Piriformis Syndrome
Sciatica describes symptoms that occur when the sciatic nerve or the nerve roots that form it become irritated or compressed. The sciatic nerve travels from the lower back through the buttocks and down each leg.
Sciatica can sometimes be confused with piriformis syndrome, which involves irritation of the sciatic nerve around the piriformis muscle in the buttock. Because symptoms can be similar, identifying where the irritation may be coming from helps guide your care.
What May Be Irritating Your Sciatic Nerve
Several factors may contribute to sciatic nerve irritation:
- A herniated or bulging disc affecting a nerve root
- Spinal stenosis narrowing the space around the nerves
- Degenerative changes in the spine
- Prolonged sitting
- Muscle tightness around the hip or gluteal region
- Pregnancy-related changes in posture and movement
The Radiating Pain That’s Hard to Ignore
Sciatica often causes sharp, burning, or shooting pain that travels from the lower back or buttock down the leg, sometimes reaching the foot. You may also notice numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Symptoms can worsen with prolonged sitting, coughing, sneezing, or certain movements and often affect just one side. For some people, the discomfort comes and goes. For others, it can interfere with work, exercise, sleep, and everyday activities.
Persistent leg pain, numbness, or weakness is worth having evaluated to determine what may be behind your symptoms.
Finding the Source of Your Symptoms
Your chiropractor will start with a detailed history and physical examination, looking at your spine, hips, movement, and other factors that may be related to your symptoms.
Based on the findings, your personalized care plan may include chiropractic adjustments, targeted soft tissue work, and specific stretches or exercises. Acupuncture may also be incorporated when appropriate, particularly when muscle tension is driving your discomfort.
The goal is to address underlying factors, improve movement, and help you return to everyday activities with less discomfort.
A Conservative Approach to Sciatica Care
Founded by Dr. Kevin Storm, Storm Chiropractic Clinic has grown to a team of four chiropractors serving Greenwood and the surrounding community. Our patient-centered approach focuses on personalized, conservative care that looks beyond symptoms to identify factors that may be contributing to your pain.
Find Out What’s Behind Your Sciatic Nerve Pain
Pain traveling down your leg can get in the way of everything from your workday to a good night’s sleep. Book an appointment to find out what may be related to your symptoms and which care options may be appropriate for you.