Can Sciatica Turn Into Chronic Back Pain?

Sciatica is a condition that can cause a great deal of pain in the lower back and legs. It is often due to a herniated disc, and can be treated with chiropractic care. However, there is a chance that sciatica can turn into chronic back pain if it is not treated properly. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs of sciatica turning into chronic back pain, and how to get the help you need to prevent it from happening.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is nerve pain from an injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve, which originates in your buttock/gluteal area. The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest (almost finger-width) nerve in the body. It actually consists of five nerve roots: two from the lower back region called the lumbar spine and three from the final section of the spine called the sacrum. The five nerve roots come together to form a right and left sciatic nerve. On each side of your body, one sciatic nerve runs through your hips, buttocks and down a leg, ending just below the knee. The sciatic nerve then branches into other nerves, which continue down your leg and into your foot and toes.

True injury to the sciatic nerve “sciatica” is actually rare, but the term “sciatica” is commonly used to describe any pain that originates in the lower back and radiates down the leg. What this pain shares in common is an injury to a nerve — an irritation, inflammation, pinching or compression of a nerve in your lower back.

Sciatica Symptoms

The most common symptom of sciatica is pain that radiates from your lower back down your leg. The pain may be sharp and shooting, or it may be a dull, aching pain. You may feel the pain only on one side of your body. In addition to pain, you may also experience:

• Numbness or tingling in your leg
• Weakness in your leg
• A burning sensation in your leg
• Difficulty moving your leg or foot

Can Sciatica Turn Into Chronic Back Pain?

Sciatica can turn into chronic back pain for a number of reasons. First, if you don’t treat the underlying cause of your sciatica, it can become worse and lead to chronic back pain. Second, even if the underlying cause of your sciatica is treated, the sciatic nerve can become so damaged that it no longer functions properly. This can lead to permanent nerve damage and chronic back pain. Finally, if you do not receive treatment for your sciatica in a timely manner, the condition can worsen and lead to chronic back pain.

Signs That Your Sciatica Is Turning Into Chronic Back Pain

If you are experiencing any of the following signs, it is a good idea to see a doctor or chiropractor to rule out chronic back pain:

1. The pain is getting worse over time.
2. The pain is not relieved by over-the-counter or prescription medications.
3. The pain is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in your leg.
4. The pain interferes with your daily activities.
5. The pain wakes you up at night.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is important to see a doctor or chiropractor as soon as possible to rule out chronic back pain. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening and becoming chronic.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help?

Chiropractic care can help prevent sciatica from turning into chronic back pain. Chiropractors are trained to identify and treat the underlying causes of sciatica. They can also provide treatments that help relieve the pain and improve nerve function. If you are experiencing any signs that your sciatica is turning into chronic back pain, it is important to see a chiropractor as soon as possible.

At our Austin clinic, common treatments for chronic back pain include:

• Massage therapy that eliminates tension and keeps pain away for days or weeks
• Electrical stimulation to soothe nerves irritated by damage or pressure
• Spinal manipulation and chiropractic care
• Full physical examinations from a medical doctor
• In-depth testing through X-rays, MRIs, and full nutritional and allergy testing to discover a cause

Fight Chronic Back Pain with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center

At Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center, we are a center for chronic spinal pain. The goal of our team of specialists is to help our patients find relief from their conditions. We offer a variety of services, including chiropractic care, physical therapy, and more. If you are suffering from chronic back pain, we can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.