Sciatica vs Back Pain: What’s Really Going On with Your Back?
Let’s be real, going through life is just plain worse when you’re dealing with back pain. Whether it’s a dull throb or a sharp, can’t-even-bend-over kind of pain, it’s tough to ignore. But not all back pain is the same. Some of it’s just sore muscles or stiffness. And then there’s sciatica, a totally different beast.
So how do you know what you’re actually dealing with? And when should you call in a sciatica chiropractor Des Moines? Let’s break it down.
First Off: What Even Is Sciatica?
So, first off, “sciatica” gets thrown around a lot, but here’s what it really means: it’s not just back pain. It’s when something, usually a herniated disc or tight muscles, is messing with your sciatic nerve. That’s the big nerve running from your lower back down through your butt and into your leg.
If your pain is shooting down one side of your body, especially into your leg? That’s a big clue.
Signs of Sciatica
- Pain that radiates down one leg (yep, even into your foot)
- Tingling or numbness in your leg
- Feels worse when you sit too long or stand too long
- Maybe even some leg weakness
And What’s Just “Regular” Back Pain?
Now, if your pain’s staying mostly in your back (no leg stuff, no weird tingling) you’re probably looking at good ol’ fashioned back pain, which… isn’t actually so fun. Could be from sleeping funny, lifting something wrong, or just spending too many hours hunched over a laptop.
Signs of Back Pain
- Dull ache or tightness in your back (but not your leg)
- Usually feels better when you move around a bit
- No numbness, tingling, or burning sensations
- Still sucks, still needs care but a different situation than sciatica.
So When Should You See a Chiropractor?
Here’s our honest take: if your back pain is sticking around for more than a few days, or if it keeps coming back, it’s time to get it checked out. Especially if it’s messing with your sleep, how you walk, or your mood (yep, pain can wear you down emotionally too).
Definitely come see us if:
- That pain is shooting down your leg
- You’re walking funny to avoid pain
- Nothing you try at home is really helping
- You’re over taking ibuprofen every day just to function
How We Help (The Ascent Way)
At Ascent Chiropractic, we’re all about getting to the why behind your pain. Is it a nerve thing? A joint thing? Muscles out of whack? We figure that out, then start working hands-on to get you moving again.
We do:
- Gentle, focused chiropractic adjustments
- Massage therapy to calm angry muscles
- Rehab and stretching to keep the pain from coming back
And all of it’s drug-free and personalized. No cookie-cutter treatments here.
So if you’re searching for sciatica chiropractic Des Moines, that’s us. This is what we do, and we’d love to help.
Let’s Get You Back to Feeling Like Yourself
Pain doesn’t have to be your new normal. Whether it’s sciatica or basic back pain, we’ll meet you where you’re at and build a plan that actually works for your body.
Hit us up! Let’s get you moving better and hurting less. Contact us online today or give us a call at 206-241-3836 to book your first visit with Ascent Chiropractic in Des Moines. You’ll be glad you did.