What is Sciatica and how chiropractic treatment can help

What is Sciatica?

The term sciatica describes the symptoms of leg pain and possibly tingling, numbness or weakness that originates in the lower back and travels through the buttock and down the large sciatic nerve in the back of the leg.
  

Sciatica Nerve Pain

Sciatica is often characterized by one or more of the following symptoms:

• Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg (rarely can occur in both legs)
• Pain that is worse when sitting
• Burning or tingling down the leg (vs. a dull ache)
• Weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot
• A constant pain on one side of the rear
• A sharp pain that may make it difficult to stand up or to walk

6 Most Common Causes of Sciatica

1. Lumbar herniated disc
2. Lumbar spinal stenosis
3. Degenerative disc disease
4. Isthmic spondylolisthesis
5. Piriformis syndrome
6. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Common Sciatica Symptoms

• lower back pain, if experienced at all, is not as severe as leg pain
• Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg, but rarely both the right and left sides
• Pain that originates in the low back or buttock and continues along the path of the sciatic nerve - down the back of the thigh and into the lower leg and foot
• Pain that feels better when patients lie down or are walking, but worsens when standing or sitting
• Sciatic pain that is typically described as sharp or searing, rather than dull
• Some experience a “pins-and-needles” sensation, numbness or weakness, or a prickling sensation down the leg

Chiropractic Treatment

Depending on the cause of sciatica, chiropractors will employ one or some of the following treatments that can include:
Spinal Adjustments
Since the sciatic nerve pain occurs when there is pressure from the vertebrae on the sciatic nerve, chiropractors can help to relieve this pressure and realign the vertebraes to their proper place – freeing the previous restricted movement of the spinal column.
Cold/Ice Therapy
Some chiropractors will use ice on the affected areas. This treatment can help to reduce the back pain, leg pain or other sciatic nerve pain by reducing the inflammation.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
Some chiropractors employ electrical nerve stimulation techniques or a TENS unit to reduce severe sciatic nerve pain and muscle spasms. Physical therapists and other medical professionals also use this muscle-stimulating device.
Ultrasound
Other chiropractors also employ the use of ultrasound equipment in the rehabilitation process. Ultrasound produces sound waves, which in turn creates a soothing heat that penetrates the body’s tissues. Since ultrasound treatment does increase the circulation in the body, it is effective at reducing sciatic nerve pain, muscle pains, swelling and more.
Overall, spinal manipulation and other chiropractic treatments can help individuals suffering from sciatic nerve pain.

HealthPoint Chiropractic Clinic 

12381 Route 30
North Huntingdon, PA 15642
Phone: 724-864-6560
Web: www.healthpointclinic.com