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In this video, Jenay Zelaya, DC discusses common conditions typically associated with sciatica and sciatic-like pain. She also reviews three simple exercises you can do to help relieve sciatic pain.
Sciatica is a symptom of an underlying medical condition—it is not a medical diagnosis in and of itself. The term sciatica describes the symptom of nerve pain that radiates down the leg. You may also experience the following symptoms:
The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body—running from the lower back, through the buttock, and splitting to run down the back of the legs. It is responsible for controlling muscle movement in the thigh and other parts of the leg as well. An condition that causes inflammation or irritation to the sciatic nerve can result in pain to the area.
Common conditions resulting in sciatic pain include a herniated disc, lumbar spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, or an injury to the lower back that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica is the name given to pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. Anything that irritates the sciatic nerve can cause pain, ranging from mild to severe. Sciatica is usually caused by a compressed or pinched nerve in the lower spine.
Common causes of sciatica can include a herniated disk and a narrowing of the spine canal (called spinal stenosis). Everyday movement and injury also contribute to conditions that are the underlying causes of sciatica.
Episodes of sciatic pain tend to occur when excess pressure is placed on tight or imbalanced piriformis or hamstring muscles. Sciatica flare-ups can have a number of causes, including:
Sciatic-like pain is very common problem with a multitude of causes. Proper diagnosis can be difficult and — given the limited time many providers have to spend with each patient —usually requires imaging and other costly diagnostic tests. Treatment tends to focus more on affecting the symptoms and not treating the actual condition. Treatment options usually involve rest/limited activity, medications for pain relief, epidural steroid injections, and weeks of therapy.
Because sciatica can be a symptom of several different underlying problems, it’s important to seek care from a skilled musculoskeletal provider. Airrosti providers can help diagnose your injury and identify the specific cause of your symptoms. Your provider will then recommend an individualized treatment plan to eliminate the true source of your pain and prevent future recurrence.
If you’re suffering from sciatic-like pain, schedule your Airrosti appointment today.
Reviewed by Casey Crisp, Doctor of Chiropractic
Disclaimer: Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program. If you experience any numbness, tingling or reproduction of your symptoms, please contact your doctor.
Throughout my adult life, I have suffered from back-related pain ever since a motorcycle accident I was involved in when I was in college. Over the last 40 years of my life, I have seen all sorts of doctors and tried almost every method, including but not limited to Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Orthopedic doctors and surgeons, muscle relaxants, pain killers, Physical Therapy, Dry Needling, Rolfing, Massage, etc. The only thing that has worked and provided long-lasting relief is my daily stretching routine and Airrosti. I first heard about Airrosti as I was dealing with chronic hamstring issues for almost four years playing ice hockey. I was talking to a friend who also played hockey, and when I told her about my hamstring pulls, she sugges...+ show moreted I look into Airrosti. I had never heard of it, but I was willing to try anything as I couldn't even get down on the ice to stretch without pulling my hamstring muscles. In practice, what I like about Airrosti is their stated goal when you walk in their door is not to lead you on and get you hooked on temporary relief like other practitioners. While you are under their care, they not only treat your injuries, but they teach you how to eliminate the pain permanently by providing you with step-by-step instructions on how to properly stretch and use the foam roller, etc. I have been to 2 different practitioners in Austin, TX; first I saw Aaron Williams for my hamstring issues, and more recently, after moving to another part of Austin, I saw Rachel Westbrook for back pain, plantar fasciitis, and sciatica! In both situations, Aaron and Rachel helped me. Working with Aaron for a month, I was able to get back on the ice playing 2-3 times per week for at least five years till 2020 when Covid temporarily halted our lives. With Rachel, as I was hoping for, within a month of her treatment in their office and being diligent with my at-home routine, I am no longer dealing with sciatica, plantar fasciitis, or lower back pain. Finally, I have found the key to Airrosti is doing the at-home stretching, rolling, etc. that they prescribe. If you don't, you will probably not receive the relief you were seeking. If you are suffering from any of the pains I have outlined above, I highly recommend trying Airrosti, particularly Aaron Williams and Rachel Westbrook, as they are awesome and genuinely care about their patients and help them get back to whatever physical activity they have been missing out on!
by Lawrence Powell