Do you experience pain that radiates down one or both of your legs?

Don’t know if the pain you’re experiencing is sciatica? 

Sciatica can present itself in various ways, and it doesn’t affect everyone the same way. 

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain, muscle tightness, and discomfort that stem from the sciatic nerve. 

The sciatic nerve runs down the bottom of your glutes, down the back of your legs, and all the way to your heels. It’s made up of a large group of smaller nerves that start in your low back and tailbone. It’s the largest nerve in humans! 

The nerve can be affected by the alignment of your pelvis, hips, and low back. It can also be affected by the muscles in your low back and those surrounding your pelvis. If you suffer from "sciatica," you will typically have pain and discomfort that runs down the back of your leg. You may also experience, numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, or even burning. 

Sciatica isn't always the same, so it could affect you and someone you know differently. 

What You Can Do for Relief 

1. Stretch: Stretching the back of your leg, especially the hamstring, along with the glutes, hips, and low back can reduce your sciatica symptoms. Simple stretches can be found on YouTube with a guided walkthrough. 

2. Nerve flossing: Nerve Flossing is a specific movement that allows the sciatic nerve to "floss" or slide through the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds the nerve like a sheath. 

3. Ice: Another thing to try is icing the affected area. Icing inflamed nerves can help with reducing inflammation and limiting pain. Ice for 10 minutes once an hour.

The Bridge Chiropractic Provides Care for Sciatica in Ann Arbor 

Sciatica can be managed with care. 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of sciatica in Ann Arbor, and the tips above are only scratching the surface of your pain, it’s time to schedule an appointment. Contact our team for precise adjustments that provide you with long term relief from sciatic discomfort.