Sciatica pain can range from extremely painful to mild and achy. It is pain that comes from the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the human body. It is known for the following symptoms:
- Pain that radiates from the lower back through the buttocks and down the back of each leg
- Usually, only one side of the body is affected
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg or foot
- Pain may be worse when you cough or sneeze
The pain from sciatica can be made worse when you sit for long periods of time as it adds to the pressure being exerted on the sciatic nerve. This can lead to it being compressed and then inflamed or irritated. Another problem with sitting is it causes you to hold your head at an improper angle sometimes, such as when watching TV or looking at a computer screen. This can also lead to a tiny misalignment in the bones of the upper cervical spine. As the spine compensates for this, it can change your posture. All of this leads to the sciatic nerve becoming irritated and causing sciatica.
Leading a sedentary lifestyle is dangerous for a number of reasons. It can cause:
- Extra weight gain
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
How the Neck Plays a Role in Sciatica Pain
While it may seem strange to look at the upper part of the body when the pain is felt in the lower part, it can be of help to do so. Many times this is where the underlying problem lies. The entire spine is held together by soft tissue and muscle. If something happens to damage it, a misalignment can occur, and pain in the spinal column seems to follow. By visiting us here at Thrive Chiropractic and Wellness Center, we can help encourage the bones to move back into place. Once corrected, many patients see relief from their fibromyalgia symptoms.
To schedule a complimentary NUCCA consultation call 608-783-0384