Sciatic Leg Pain in Louisville KY

Many of our Louisville KY chiropractic patients suffer from sciatica. Learn about sciatica to better understand your discomfort. Derived from the lower spine, the sciatic nerve is the body's biggest and longest nerve. It also travels through the buttocks and down the leg, controlling the muscles there.

The sciatic nerve provides feeling to the lower body, including the thighs, legs, and feet. Sciatica is the name given to the pain produced by irritation or inflammation of this nerve. Sciatica refers to the symptoms of sciatic nerve inflammation, but not the source.

SIGNS OF SCIATICA IN Louisville KY

The most typical sign of sciatic nerve irritation is discomfort that travels throughout the nerve's route, mainly on one side of the body. This pain can manifest in many ways. Patients may feel tingling, aching, or burning. The type of discomfort frequently corresponds to the site of irritation. Sciatica patients may have pins and needles in their lower limbs, as well as weakness in the afflicted nerve's leg or foot.

Sciatica usually develops gradually, with little or no initial discomfort. It is worse by prolonged sitting, bending, sneezing, coughing, and rapid movements.

HOW SCIATICA IS DIAGNOSED

Your doctor must first diagnose sciatica. Your doctor can assess your medical history as well as your pain descriptions. You will also need to get a full neurological evaluation that focuses on your legs and spine. This allows the doctor to check your reflexes, muscular strength, and any discomfort induced by various motions.

OPTIONS FOR CARE

In most circumstances, a conservative approach like chiropractic care works well. Treatments for sciatica differ depending on the etiology. Your chiropractor will determine this. The phrase “conservative” refers to non-invasive therapies, which excludes surgery and medicines. The goal of chiropractic care is to reduce or eliminate pain by correcting spinal abnormalities, restoring normal mobility and function, and lowering irritation and inflammation.

Call Preston Chiropractic and Rehabilitation in Louisville KY today if you have any questions or think you may be suffering from sciatica.