Your 10 Most Common Questions About Sciatica, Answered

Sciatica is a painful condition that can greatly impact your daily life. If you suffer from sciatic pain, you may be wondering why simple tasks that require no effort, like laying down on your back, can make it worse and cause severe pain. Fortunately, there are solutions available to reduce this discomfort. The team at Newport Center Family Chiropractic has compiled a list of the ten most common questions about sciatica to help you understand the condition and find ways to alleviate it.

#1. What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, is irritated or compressed. Symptoms include sharp pain, tingling, and numbness that radiate from the lower back down to the leg. When sciatic pain flares up, this can cause your leg to feel like it is “giving out,” and many people who suffer from sciatic pain can feel like their leg is buckling or folding underneath them without their control.

#2. What causes sciatica?

Sciatica is often caused by a herniated or bulging disc in the spine. Other causes may include spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or pregnancy.

The underlying reason for sciatic pain is compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down to your feet. This nerve is responsible for controlling many of the muscles in your legs and feet, as well as providing sensation to those areas. When the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, it can cause a sharp, shooting pain that radiates down your leg.

#3. Why does laying down make my sciatic pain worse?

Laying down can make sciatic pain worse for several reasons. First, when you lay down, your spine is in a neutral position, which can place pressure on the sciatic nerve. Additionally, when you lay down, you may be putting more weight on your hips or lower back, which can also increase pressure on the sciatic nerve.

When you lay down, your spine may lose its normal curvature, leading to more pressure on the nerve root. It is important to maintain proper alignment and support when laying down to avoid exacerbating your sciatic pain.

#4. How can chiropractic care help with sciatica?

Chiropractic care can help reduce sciatic pain by realigning the spine and helping to reduce inflammation in slipped discs. Additionally, therapies such as decompression therapy and laser therapy have shown powerful results in reducing or eliminating sciatic pain.

In addition to seeking decompression therapy and laser therapy, there are several things you can do to reduce your sciatic pain. You can also try stretching, yoga, or other low-impact exercises to help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Heat therapy and massage can also be helpful in reducing pain and increasing mobility.

#5. How can chiropractic care help with sciatica?

Yes, exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles surrounding the sciatic nerve can help alleviate pain. Focus on exercises that gently stretch the lower back and hip muscles, such as hip flexor stretches and the child’s pose in yoga.

#6. Is there anything I should avoid if I have sciatica?

Avoid high-impact or high-intensity exercises, as well as activities that require repetitive motions, such as running or cycling. Additionally, avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time.

#7. How long does it take to recover from sciatica?

The recovery time for sciatica varies depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. With proper treatment and self-care, many individuals experience relief within a few weeks to a few months.

At Newport Center Family Wellness, our patients often report feeling significant relief from their pain within their first few sessions.

#8. Can surgery help with sciatica?

Surgery is usually considered a last resort option for severe cases of sciatica that do not respond to other treatments. However, there are many non-invasive options available that can effectively alleviate pain: for example, spinal decompression and laser therapy, both of which are offered at Newport Center Family Chiropractic.

#9. Can sciatica be prevented?

Maintaining proper posture and exercising regularly can help prevent and relieve sciatica. Additionally, avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing and using proper lifting techniques can also reduce your risk.

While there’s no surefire way to prevent sciatic pain, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Maintaining good posture, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, and doing low-impact exercises can all help to keep your spine healthy and reduce the likelihood of sciatic pain.

#10. How do decompression and laser therapy work?

At Newport Center Family Chiropractic, we offer decompression therapy and laser therapy to help our patients with sciatic pain. Decompression therapy works by using a special table to gently stretch the spine and alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve. Laser therapy uses a low-level laser to stimulate cell growth and reduce inflammation, which can help to speed up the healing process.

Chronic Sciatica Treatment in Newport Beach, CA

Sciatic pain, which is caused by inflammation or irritation of the sciatic nerve, is one of the most common types of chronic pain. It can be a debilitating condition that can drastically reduce your quality of life, causing severe pain and limited mobility. Many patients with sciatic pain report that their symptoms worsen when they lay down, which can be a frustrating and confusing experience.

While sciatica can be a debilitating condition, there are many options available to alleviate the symptoms. At Newport Center Family Chiropractic, we offer cutting-edge therapies like decompression and laser therapy to help reduce sciatic pain. By maintaining proper alignment and practicing self-care, you can effectively manage your sciatica and improve your overall quality of life.

Sciatic pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition that can drastically reduce your quality of life. Understanding why laying down can make your symptoms worse is an important step in finding relief. At Newport Center Family Chiropractic, we are proud to offer customized care that can help to alleviate sciatic pain and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you find relief from sciatic pain.