If you have ever felt a sharp, burning pain shoot from your lower back, down through your hip, and into your leg, you know exactly what sciatica feels like. It isn’t just a “bad back”—it is an electric shock that can stop you in your tracks, making walking, sitting, or even sleeping difficult.
At Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC, sciatica is one of the most common conditions we treat. However, there is a lot of misinformation out there about how to treat it. To help you cut through the noise and find relief, we are answering the most pressing questions patients ask us about taming the sciatic nerve.
Q: What exactly is sciatica?
A: Many people use the word “sciatica” to describe any lower back pain, but it is actually a specific set of symptoms caused by the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. This is the longest and widest nerve in the human body, running from the lower spine, through the buttocks, and down the back of each leg to the feet.
When something presses on this nerve, the signal is interrupted, resulting in pain. Think of it like stepping on a garden hose; the pressure stops the flow. In your body, that pressure creates pain, numbness, or tingling.
Q: How do I know if my pain is sciatica or a muscle strain?
A: This is a great question because the two can feel similar. However, the hallmark of sciatica is radiating pain. A muscle strain in the back usually stays localized in the back. Sciatica travels.
You likely have sciatica if you experience:
- Pain on only one side of your body.
- A “burning” or “electric” sensation rather than a dull ache.
- Numbness or weakness in the leg or foot.
- Pain that worsens when you sit for long periods.
According to the Mayo Clinic, typical sciatica pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating pain.
Q: What is causing the nerve to be pinched?
A: The most common culprit is a herniated or bulging disc in the lumbar spine. When a disc slips out of place, it encroaches on the space where the nerve exits the spine. However, it isn’t always a disc issue.
We also frequently see Piriformis Syndrome. This occurs when the piriformis muscle (located deep in the buttock) becomes tight or spasms, compressing the sciatic nerve directly beneath it. This is sometimes called “wallet sciatica” because sitting on a thick wallet all day can trigger it.
Q: Does chiropractic care actually fix sciatica?
A: Yes, and it is highly effective because it addresses the mechanical cause of the pain. Medication might dull the pain signal, but it doesn’t remove the pressure from the nerve.
At Wirth Chiropractic, our goal is to take the pressure off. Through targeted chiropractic adjustments, we can realign the vertebrae and pelvis. This realignment opens up the joint space, allowing the disc to retract and the nerve to heal. If the issue is muscular (like Piriformis Syndrome), we can also utilize soft tissue therapies to relax the muscle that is strangling the nerve.
Q: Should I rest in bed if my sciatica is flaring up?
A: Surprisingly, no. While you should take it easy for the first 24 to 48 hours of an acute flare-up, prolonged bed rest can actually make sciatica worse. Your muscles will weaken and stiffen, which provides less support for your spine.
Gentle movement is key. We often recommend “nerve flossing” exercises and gentle stretching to keep the area mobile. However, it is vital that you consult with Dr. Wirth before starting an exercise routine, as doing the wrong stretch can aggravate the nerve further.
Q: When should I seek professional help?
A: If your pain has lasted longer than a week, is getting worse, or is affecting your ability to walk, it is time to see a professional. Ignoring the pain can lead to chronic nerve damage.
Research supports the use of spinal manipulation for relief. A study published by the National Institutes of Health found that sixty percent of patients with sciatica who failed other medical management benefited from spinal manipulation to the same degree as if they underwent surgical intervention.
Ready to stop the pain?
You don’t have to live with that electric shock in your leg. Let us help you find the source of the compression and relieve it naturally. Contact Wirth Chiropractic today to schedule your consultation.
