
Sciatica is a condition that can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. For many people, it flares up periodically and then goes away. But for others, it seems to keep coming back no matter what they do. So what’s the deal? Why does sciatica keep coming back? In this blog post, we will take a look at what causes sciatica, what makes it flare up, and why it seems to persist for some people. We will also discuss some treatment options that can help with relieving sciatica.
What Causes Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve runs from a collection of lower back and sacral nerve roots that joins then runs down the back of the leg. All the way to the foot. When this nerve is compressed or irritated, it can cause pain and other symptoms.
Sciatica happens when:
- Something presses on the sciatic nerve
- The health nerve is compromised by an inflammatory process
- A nerve or nerve root is compromised by a disease process (diabetes for example).
In some cases, sciatica may go away after a while but for many people, it becomes a chronic condition.
Why Does It Keep Coming Back?
There are a number of reasons why you may experience recurring sciatica.
- Herniated disc: A herniated disc occurs when there is a tear in the outer layer of the disc. This allows the inner portion of the disc to bulge out and press on the sciatic nerve.
- Degenerative disc disease: This is a condition that causes the discs in the spine to break down and become thinner. This can put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Spinal stenosis: This is a condition in later in life, which happens when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the nerves.
- Injury: An injury to the back or spine can also cause sciatica.
- Inflammation: This can be caused by conditions like inflammatory arthritis.
- Excess weight: Being overweight can put extra strain on the back and spine, which can lead to sciatica.
- Posture and spinal alignment: This occurs when the spine is not in proper alignment. This can put pressure on the nerves, muscles and cause pain over time.
These are just a few of the possible causes of recurrent sciatica. If you are dealing with this condition, it’s important to see a trained chiropractic clinician to find out what is causing it and get proper treatment.
How Long Do Sciatica Flare Ups Last?
The duration of a sciatica flare up can vary from person to person. For some, it may only last a few days or weeks. But for others, it can linger for months or even years. Often, it is dependent on the underlying cause of the pain. The more serious the condition, the longer flare ups will last.
Sometimes, flare ups are caused by specific activity. For example, if you are exercising more intensely than you normally would, you may experience temporary pain.
Read more about Sciatica here: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/07edec8049e4dbbfb409fe3a89b74631/ManagingSciatica-RAH-AlliedHealth-20220301.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE-07edec8049e4dbbfb409fe3a89b74631-nZcU66r
How To Relieve Sciatic Nerve Pain
Relieving sciatica can be difficult and it is important to treat the underlying cause. Stretching, light exercise, and rest, are some of the most immediate ways to manage the pain. However, you should seek advice from a chiropractor for long term relief.
At Waterloo Chiropractic, we can help you manage the injury associated with your sciatica like herniated discs, posture and muscle shortening so you can address the underlying cause of your sciatica and get the relief that you need. P| 0296900911 or book online: https://waterloochiropractic.cliniko.com/bookings?business_id=8196