Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SCIATICA?
Pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg is the hallmark of sciatica. You might feel the discomfort almost anywhere along the nerve pathway, but it’s especially likely to follow a path from your low back to your buttock and the back of your thigh and calf.
The pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating pain. Sometimes it can feel like a jolt or electric shock. It can be worse when you cough or sneeze, and prolonged sitting can aggravate symptoms. Usually only one side of your body is affected.
Some people also have numbness, tingling or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot. You might have pain in one part of your leg and numbness in another part. These symptoms are caused by entrapment of one of the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve or distally along the sciatic nerve itself.
HOW DO WE DIAGNOSE SCIATICA?
The goal is to locate the source of your sciatica so we can resolve it. We do this by first conducting a thorough examination.
As Chiropractors, we use a hands-on examination techniques to determine which spinal segments are causing your pain. Once we identify the segments, we’ll then examine the joints, muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the affected area.
When necessary, we’ll use Digital Motion Study X-Rays on site to know exactly what structures are functioning properly and which structures are not functioning properly. These images can be used to confirm a diagnosis or rule out causes before finalizing a treatment plan.
HOW DO WE TREAT SCIATICA?
Sciatica can be complex. We work with our patients to formulate a treatment plan specific to their condition. Each patient’s treatment plan typically includes a couple of different approaches. The plan may include:
- Spinal Adjustments – help to realign the spine and remove nerve pressure that could be causing you pain.
- Passive Therapies – an effective way to relieve strain, reduce pain-causing inflammation, and improve circulation to promote natural healing.
- Therapeutic Exercises – to improve flexibility, stability, reduce muscle stiffness, and prevent further injury.
HOW DO YOU PREVENT SCIATICA?
Following your treatment plan is the best long-term solution for defeating sciatica. Coming in for routine Spinal Adjustments will keep the spine properly aligned, improve its flexibility, keep pressure of the spinal nerves, and flexibility in related joints (i.e., hips and neck).
On top of regular adjustments, we provide lifestyle guidance so you can keep the pain away.
Things to pay attention to include: avoid carrying heavy or unequal loads, practicing good posture, losing excess weight, becoming more active, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing. If you avoid things that compromise your spine, you’ll prevent future pain.
MAKE A FULL RECOVERY WITHOUT MEDICATION.
WE CAN HELP.
Don’t Let Sciatica Pain Keep You from Enjoying What’s Important in Your Life.
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OUR PROCESS TO CORRECTING THE CAUSE OF YOUR BACK PAIN AND RESTORING HEALTH.
Consultation
The first step in our process to restoring your health is to complete a comprehensive consultation of your health concern. We will discuss your health problems, how they are effecting you, previous treatments, and discover what your health goals are. Whether you want to run a 5k, get back on the golf course, focus at work so you can get that big promotion, or be the focused mom that you have always wanted to be…without pain holding you back; we will ensure our treatment is centered on the goals that are important to you.
36-Point Examination
The next step in our process is to conduct a thorough physical, orthopedic, and neurologic examination to determine the cause of your health concern. Our desire is to know exactly what is causing the problem so we can correct it and get you back to doing what you love. These tests may include:
- Specific Instrumentation and Visualization
- Static and Motion Palpation
- Digital Postural Analyses
- Computerized Range of Motion Assessments
- BioImpedance Analysis
- Orthopedic Testing
- Neurologic Testing
SPECIALIZED
Digital Motion Study X-rays
The third step in our evaluation will be to perform highly specialized digital motion study X-rays, if our examination determines necessity. These specialized X-rays will show us what is working for you and what is not working correctly for you. This allows us to focusing in on exactly what is causing your problem so that we can provide a lasting correction of the cause.
Comprehensive Treatment Plan
The final step will be for us to sit down and formulate a plan, together, focused on restoring you to the life you want to live. Once formulated, we will enact this plan to get you back on track. Your health goals and your results are what drive our passion. We want you to be “Happy, Healthy, and Living the Life You Want to Live.”
