Back pain affects millions of people; however, not all back pain is the same. Two of the most present causes of back discomfort are general back injuries and sciatica.
While these conditions may have overlapping symptoms, they are distinct in their causes, symptoms, and chiropractic treatment options. Understanding the differences can help individuals seek the appropriate care and management strategies.
If you have back pain, this post will detail all you need to know about choosing the right chiropractic healing plan for your condition.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. Sciatica is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying issue.
Chiropractors understand the body’s interconnected nature and find the source of your sciatica, garnering lasting comfort and function.
Common Causes of Sciatica
Herniated discs
This is one of the most common causes of sciatica, as a herniated disc can press on the sciatic nerve, causing pain that radiates down the leg.
Spinal stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal can compress nerves, leading to sciatica-like symptoms.
Piriformis syndrome
The piriformis muscle in the buttock can sometimes irritate the sciatic nerve.
Spondylolisthesis
When a vertebra slips forward over another, it can pinch the sciatic nerve.
Trauma or injury
Accidents, sports injuries, falls, or heavy lifting can trigger sciatic nerve compression.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica typically occurs on only one side of the body.
Common sciatica symptoms include:
- Sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back to the leg
- Pain, weakness, tingling, and numbness in the lower back
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the affected leg
- Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or sudden movements
- A burning sensation along the nerve pathway
What Is a Back Injury?
A back injury involves damage to the back muscles, ligaments, bones, or spinal discs. It can occur from various sources, ranging from mild muscle strains to severe chronic conditions.
Common Causes of Back Injuries
Muscle strains & sprains
Overexertion, heavy lifting, or sudden movements can cause strains and sprains in the back muscles and ligaments.
Herniated or bulging discs
The discs between the vertebrae can become damaged due to wear and tear or sudden impact, leading to pain and limited mobility.
Poor Posture
Sitting or standing in awkward positions for extended periods can strain the back muscles and spine.
Degenerative conditions
Conditions like osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease can contribute to chronic back pain.
Symptoms of a Back Injury
- Localized pain in the lower or upper back
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Swelling or bruising in cases of trauma
- Pain that worsens with movement
- Muscle spasms
Key Differences Between a Back Injury and Sciatica
While sciatica and back injuries can generate back pain, there are several distinct differences.
Location of pain
A back injury usually causes localized pain in the lower or upper back, whereas sciatica typically causes radiating pain that affects the hip and leg.
Type of pain
Back injuries often result in dull, aching, or sharp pain, whereas sciatica usually presents as sharp, shooting, or burning pain along the sciatic nerve pathway.
Causes
Back injuries often stem from trauma or mechanical stress, whereas sciatica is caused by nerve compression.
Nerve involvement
Sciatica affects the sciatic nerve, while a back injury may not necessarily involve nerve compression.
Additional symptoms
Sciatica is commonly associated with numbness, tingling, and weakness in the leg, which are not typical of most back injuries.
Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica & Back Pain
The treatment for a back injury and sciatica may differ depending on the severity and underlying cause of the pain.
Back Injury Treatments
- Rest and avoid strenuous activities
- Applying ice or heat therapy
- Chiropractic care to strengthen back muscles
- Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapies
- Lifestyle, movement, and postural guidance
Sciatica Treatments
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Chiropractic care focusing on nerve mobility
- Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapies
- Lifestyle, movement, and postural guidance
Get Chiropractic Care for Sciatica or Back Injury Relief at Whitefish Chiropractic
If you have back pain, it’s important to work with an experienced chiropractor to ensure you get the optimal treatment for your condition.
Our team can help find your root source of pain and manage the imbalance with conservative treatments, whether you have sciatica or a back injury.
Although back injuries and sciatica share some similarities, they are distinct conditions with different causes and treatments. Identifying the correct condition is essential for effective treatment and long-term relief.
If you are experiencing persistent or severe back pain, consulting with one of our local sciatica chiropractors can help determine the best course of action for your recovery.
The chiropractic solutions we use to successfully treat sciatica and back injuries include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Graston Technique
- Kinesio taping
- Dry needling
- Lifestyle guidance and education
- And others
We know you want to live fully, and we’ll help you by providing unique education and support so you can maintain a strong, healthy, active body.
For your convenience, our Whitefish Chiropractic clinics are located in Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and Kalispell. Schedule your appointment today and get the natural, effective sciatica or back pain relief your body deserves.
