Sciatica is a common condition that affects up to 40 percent of the adult population in America. For some people, sciatica is merely annoying, but for others, it is crippling. Fortunately, there are many treatments available to relieve the symptoms of sciatica. Dr. Shahani and our team at Vitality Health Services in Fremont list what you need to know about sciatica.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica can occur due to a variety of reasons, from herniated discs to spinal injuries. All of these different reasons produce the same result, pressure on your sciatic nerve. This nerve starts in the middle of your back and runs down both legs.
Symptoms of Sciatica
The most common symptoms of sciatica are shooting or an electric bolt-like pain down one leg, pain that gets worse when you move suddenly, numbness in part of the leg, tingling like your leg is waking up from being asleep, and weakness in your leg. Uncommon symptoms include bowel or bladder incontinence, and an inability to walk or stand.
When to Seek Medical Help
Do not wait to see a doctor or chiropractor if you have sciatica and incontinence, you cannot walk at all, if the pain increases, or if the pain becomes so bad that you cannot bear it. There may be damage to your spine that needs to be treated at once.
Risk Factors for Sciatica
There are many kinds of people who are at high risk of developing sciatica. The most prone people are those who suffered a back injury, or a spinal condition like spinal stenosis or herniated discs. These risk factors include people who are overweight, sit for most of the day, do a lot of heavy lifting, are over 30, and smoke. People with certain health conditions are also at risk, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and the autoimmune disease ankylosing spondylitis.
Chiropractic Care for Sciatica
Chiropractors can do many things to treat your sciatica, but we will not prescribe medication. We can adjust your spine so the pressure on your sciatic nerve is reduced. We can also help you make lifestyle changes to reduce your symptoms.
Contact Us for Sciatica Treatment in Fremont, CA
There is no need to suffer from sciatic nerve pain. If you live in the Fremont area, contact Vitality Health Services to speak with Dr. Shahani. Call our team today at (510) 505-0100 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.
