Chiropractic for Sciatica
Sciatica, a pain affecting the sciatic nerve, extends down the lower back and down the back of each leg, typically only affecting one side of the body. Depending on the location of the pain on the sciatic nerve, it may also run down to the foot or toes. For some individuals, the pain may be debilitating and severe, where for others, it may be infrequent and irritating with the potential to become worse. If you have numbness in the upper thighs, lower extremity weakness, and/or loss of bladder or bowel control, immediately seek medical attention. If you believe your pain is a result of sciatica, contact our chiropractor near Nesconset.
Symptoms of sciatica
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, our chiropractor near Nesconset may be able to relieve your pain.
- Constant pain on one side of the rear (buttock)
- A burning or tingling sensation running down the leg
- A shooting pain which makes standing up difficult
- Leg or rear back which worsens when sitting down
- Numbness, weakness, or difficulty moving the foot or leg
- Lower back or hip pain
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica is caused by an irritation of the lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine roots. It can also be caused by:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Back or rear muscle spasms
- Lumbar spinal stenosis – narrowing of lower back spinal canal
- Spondylolisthesis – slipping of the vertebrae over another one
- Degenerative disc disease – pain caused by wear and tear on a spinal disc
- Tumors
- Non-spinal disorders such as diabetes and constipation
How can chiropractic care help with sciatica?
Chiropractic treatment is meant to help the body treat itself. It’s based on the scientific principle that limited spinal movement results in pain and reduced function/performance. It is a holistic, noninvasive, medication-free treatment option. Treatment entirely depends on the cause of an individual’s sciatica. Listed are a few treatment methods our chiropractor may use and how they may help with sciatica:
- Trigger point injections: trigger points are sensitive areas of the body that can cause musculoskeletal pain. A painless injection into that specific pain area can help reduce discomfort significantly.
- Ice/cold therapy: reduces inflammation and aids in controlling pain.
- Adjustments (spinal manipulation): helps in the reduction of nerve irritability responsible for causing muscle spasms, pain, inflammation, as well as other sciatica symptoms.
For some individuals, sciatica may correct itself and only occur one to a couple times. If the sciatica is recurring, there is a likely chance several treatments and adjustments may have to be done to relieve pain. Along with treatments and adjustments, muscle strengthening exercises may be recommended. Visit our chiropractor near Nesconset for a nonsurgical, medication-free approach to relieve your sciatica.