Sciatica 101 in Oak Ridge TN

Sciatica is a painful condition that occurs when a bone spur, slipped disc, bulging disc, or herniated disc puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. A chiropractor in Oak Ridge TN near you can provide safe, effective sciatica treatment. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower spine down to the feet, and irritation or damage to the nerve can cause a range of symptoms that may occur anywhere along the nerve's pathway.

Common Symptoms of Sciatica in Oak Ridge TN

The most common symptom of sciatica is pain that radiates from the lower back down the back of one of the legs. This pain may be a mild ache, or a sharp, piercing pain. The pain typically only affects one side of the body, and may become worse upon movement, or after sitting for a long period of time. Many people also experience a numbness or tingling sensation in the limbs, or muscle weakness in the leg or foot.

Mild sciatica may disappear without treatment, but if your symptoms persist for more than a week, or if they become progressively worse, you should visit a chiropractor. Sciatica treatment may include spinal decompression therapy, chiropractic adjustments, steroid injections, activity modification, and physical therapy.