Sciatica Treatment From Your Cornelius Chiropractor
Pain that seems to start in the buttock or lower back area and then travels down one or both legs is referred to as sciatica – as the main cause is usually pressure on the sciatic nerve. The symptoms of sciatica can range from annoying and inconvenient to painful and debilitating. If you are experiencing symptoms that you think are sciatica, we encourage you to contact our Cornelius Chiropractic team. Let us help you feel better and get back on your feet!
What is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve travels from your lower back down both legs. Certain injuries and medical conditions can cause pressure to be put on the sciatic nerve, which leads to a range of symptoms that can be uncomfortable and painful. Depending on how much pressure is on the nerve, the symptoms can vary significantly. Some people with sciatica only experience occasional discomfort, while others are in constant pain.
Symptoms of sciatica include:
- Shooting pains
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Radiating pain
- Burning
- Shocks
- Aching pain
- Symptoms in one leg or both legs
Causes of Sciatica
Causes of sciatica can include:
Injury
A slip and fall, a car accident, a sports accident, a workplace accident, or even twisting the wrong way or from an awkward position can all lead to sciatica. The sciatic nerve is in a position where a variety of problems can arise.
Misaligned Vertebrae
Subluxations, or misaligned vertebrae, can put pressure on the sciatic nerve. Chiropractic adjustments from our Huntersville chiropractor can do a great deal to improve the symptoms of sciatica caused by subluxations.
Pregnancy or Childbirth
Pregnancy and childbirth have both been known to cause sciatica.
Disc Issues
Herniated or bulging discs can put pressure on the sciatic nerve. When a disc herniates, the interior material comes out from the exterior material, which may press on nerves. Bulging discs are still intact, but they do move out from their normal position and are capable of putting pressure on nerves as well.
How is Sciatica Diagnosed?
Before treatment can start, it is important to properly diagnose sciatica. There are several tests that we may order to determine your condition, including an MRI, CT scan or x-ray.
How We Treat Sciatica
Once we understand the cause of your sciatica, we may administer a variety of treatments that will work together to help alleviate your symptoms and relieve the pressure on your sciatic nerve. Some of these treatments may include:
Chiropractic Adjustments
When spinal subluxations are the cause of your sciatica, adjustments from a chiropractor can provide real and lasting relief. The misalignment of your spine can put significant pressure on your nerves, leading to symptoms that will usually not go away on their own. Using our extensive training and experience, we can adjust your back to return alignment and make you feel better over the long term.
Spinal Decompression
Using a specially designed decompression table, we can gently stretch your spine to make re-establish alignment and relieve pressure on discs and nerves. Spinal decompression is excellent for creating room for discs to return to their normal positions.
Massage Therapy
Massage can do a great deal to relax the muscles and soft tissues that may be rigid or spasming, which in turn is putting pressure on your sciatic nerve. Our massage therapy team can relax your muscles and relieve pain in a gentle, non-invasive manner.
Schedule Your Appointment with Our Cornelius Chiropractor
If you are in the Cornelius, Lake Norman, and Huntersville area, please contact us at 704.987.5050 to schedule an appointment. Let us use our skills and training to help you get out of pain and back to doing what you love.