Sciatica Treatment
The term “Sciatica” refers to a common type of pain affecting the sciatic nerve, which is actually a large group of nerves extending from the lower back down the back of each leg. You can read more about symptoms and causes below.
How Can Chiropractic Care Treat Sciatica?
The treatment of sciatica can vary, depending on the source of the pain. Dr. Garrett Haponski can apply a variety of techniques which historically have a very high success rate. These options include:
- Spinal decompression
- Massage therapy
- Chiropractic spinal manipulation (adjustments)
- Muscle stretches
- Muscle rehabilitation and core strengthening
- Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)
Chiropractic treatment of sciatica can prevent costly and more invasive procedures like surgery, while saving you money and getting you back to enjoying life.
If you are suffering from sciatica, call today to schedule your appointment.
What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica?
Common symptoms of sciatica include:
- Pain in the rear or thigh that is worse when sitting
- Burning or tingling down the back of the thigh
- Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg or foot
- A constant pain on one side of the rear
- A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up
- Intense pain in the rear or back of the thigh when standing for long periods of time
Sciatica usually affects only one side of the lower body. Often, the pain extends from the lower back all the way through the back of the thigh. Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also extend to the foot or toes, however, true “Sciatica” does not extend beyond the knee. If your pain travels into your lower leg and foot, this may be a more serious condition.
For some people, the pain from sciatica can be severe and debilitating. For others, the sciatica pain might be infrequent and irritating, but has the potential to get worse.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is caused by irritation of the root(s) of the lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine.
Additional common causes of sciatica include:
- Lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back)
- Degenerative disc disease (breakdown of discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae)
- Spondylolisthesis (a condition in which one vertebra slips forward over another one)
- Pregnancy
- Piriformis syndrome (a small muscle in the rear that overlaps the sciatic nerve)
- Sacroiliac dysfunction/irritation
Other things that may make sciatic pain worse include being overweight, not exercising regularly, wearing high heels or sleeping on a mattress that is too soft.