Why Does Sciatica Come And Go?


Did you know that the Sciatica Nerve is the longest nerve in your entire body? It runs from the lower back and runs down through the back of the thighs, calves, and ends in the feet. With this being understood, it’s no surprise that sciatica pain can negatively influence an individual’s quality of life. Symptoms for sciatica can range widely, involving general discomfort to debilitating pain. Typically, the pain is described as shooting, sharp, or radiating, either up or down the lower back, back of the thighs, calves, and through the feet. In a large majority of cases, the pain caused by a pinched or compressed sciatica nerve can make even the most routine daily tasks difficult to complete.
There are a number of reasons sciatic pain can develop. One severe cause is a bulging or herniated disc. The disc can pinch or compress the nerve, which can cause discomfort or pain. Another cause is compression in the lumbar spine, which can result in a pinched nerve. Pregnancy can also pinch or compress the nerve. Finally, specific injuries can affect the sciatic nerve in a negative way, too.
In some cases, sciatic pain can come and go. During specific activities, movements, or time of day, you may feel discomfort or pain. If you were to consult the traditional model of medicine, you would find bed-rest, prescribed medication, and potential invasive surgery suggested to remedy the issue. Chiropractic care, on the other hand, takes a more proactive approach to back pain treatment.

What Causes Sciatica?

Some of the most common causes of Sciatica are herniated spinal discs, aging, obesity, occupation, prolonged sitting, diabetes, and inflammation.

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc, which is the slight crack or tear in the disc, protrudes into the spinal canal and compresses or pinches the sciatic nerve. Not all herniated discs cause sciatica, but due to the abundance of nerves in the spinal canal and the length and location of the sciatic nerve, it’s relatively common to see this occur.
In a majority of adults, a herniated disc, otherwise known as a slipped disc, can be the result of aging and years of placing stress on the body. Exercise, inflammation, poor posture, and injuries are all factors in whether or not someone experiences a slipped disc. When it comes to Sciatica, the pain my not be the root cause of the problem; instead, it could be a symptom of a larger issue.
Continuing with the spine, an overgrowth of bone, otherwise known as a bone spur, can develop on the vertebrae. This can be the root cause of sciatic pain, since the bone spur, depending on its location, can affect the sciatic nerve directly or indirectly.

Diabetes

Certain diseases have been linked to Sciatica, such as obesity and diabetes. Obesity increases the stress on your spine due to excess body weight. The weight can result in nerves becoming compressed or pinched—one of those nerves potentially being the sciatic.
Diabetes can also play a role in causing Sciatica. Nerve damage called diabetic neuropathy can occur, mainly in the legs and feet. This condition can increase the risk of nerve damage due to how the body uses blood sugar.

Occupation

Various occupations, whether manually tasking or not, can have a negative effect on your spine. A job that requires you to lift and carry heavy loads or twist and bend frequently can agitate the nerve. On the other hand, a career that requires you to sit for extended periods of time can play a role in the weakening of your abdomen muscles. This can result in poor posture and eventually lead to Sciatica, as well.

Inflammation

The inflammation of your sciatic nerve is a common cause of discomfort and pain. Any of the common causes of Sciatica above can include or induce inflammation. Any type of pinching, pressure, or compression of the sciatic can inflame the nerve. This is where the discomfort or pain in the lower back, back of the thighs, calves, and feet related to Sciatica originates.

Why Choose Senara?

When it comes to Sciatica, there is no one-size-fits-all back pain treatment. Your symptoms will need to be discussed with your chiropractor to diagnose the issue and determine the best treatment options moving forward. A customized treatment plan will be created for you to address the specific root cause and symptoms of your Sciatica. With a focused care plan, you will feel better and get back to normal in no time!