Sciatica refers to the pain that radiates from the sciatic nerve, which runs through your lower back and down your leg. It can be caused by a variety of health conditions, such as herniated discs or pinched nerves. Chiropractic care helps those with sciatica because it addresses the root cause of this type of pain, usually from a spinal complication.
Live Aligned Family Chiropractic has helped over 1300 patients to treat sciatica and other health issues. We have been serving the Golden, Colorado community since 2018. If you are experiencing sciatic nerve pain, schedule an appointment and begin living a comfortable life.
Sciatica: What is it? What causes it?
Your sciatic nerve is your body’s longest and most important nerve. Additionally, the sciatic nerve is a long twisting tube-shaped nerve bundle that originates at the base of the spine to its branches on either side where it divides into a group (lumbar) in each leg. Its primary function is balance through reflexive movements with every step you take.
Sciatica can occur when one leg gets too much pressure. It causes intense pain shooting from the lower back down towards the feet and toes, as well as numbness throughout the legs.
Sciatic nerve damage occurs when there’s an injury or compression of the sciatic nerve by vertebrae (bones between the neck and lower back).
There is no single reason for sciatic pain. But many reasons cause this problem, and diagnosing the root of your issue can be crucial to treatment. The key focus of Live Aligned Family Chiropractic revolves around proper chiropractic care, which fixes misaligned joints through spinal adjustments.
First, Dr. Charles Borgert needs to understand what led you here- through detailed medical history questions about things like past injury or illness and lifestyle habits (like smoking). Once diagnosed, it’s possible to get back on track without surgery and medication.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica can be a debilitating condition that affects between 8-10% of the population. There are many symptoms which may include:
- moderate to severe pain in the lower back, buttocks, and down your leg;
- numbness or weakness in those areas as well as pelvic area discomfort when you move around;
- feeling pins and needles sensation on feet or legs, and
- loss of bowel control.
The pain in your muscles and joints may come on suddenly or be a constant ache. The pain will usually worsen when you sit, stand up, twist to the side of the affected area, and force yourself into sudden movements like coughing or sneezing.
Treatment Options for Sciatica Pain
Spinal Adjustments
Spinal manipulation is a technique used by our chiropractors to correct misaligned vertebrae in the spine. This helps relieve back pain and sciatica, which can be caused by injuries such as slipped discs or bulging disks. If you are experiencing these issues, Dr. Borgert may consider spinal adjustments for relief. Chiropractic adjustments work so well when combined with other chiropractic interventions.
Heat and Cold Therapy
If you suffer from sciatica and want to avoid medication, Dr. Borgert may recommend the use of Hot and Cold pain relief therapy. This is an anti-inflammatory treatment that can be helpful for many conditions like joint stiffness in your neck or back.
Chiropractic Exercises
Dr. Borgert will have you perform an exercise routine to help your sciatica symptoms and strengthen the spine. Exercise routines are also effective in treating sciatic pain. A progressive set of controlled movements may also reap benefits by relaxing tight muscles or increasing endorphins for a happier body with less pain.
Spinal Decompression
Spinal Decompression Therapy is also known as non-surgical spinal decompression, or SDT for short. SDT is used to relieve pain caused by bulging, degenerating, or herniated discs. It can also be used for the treatment of many causes of sciatica and worn spinal joints.
The use of decompression therapy is an effective and safe treatment for many patients who suffer from debilitating back pain.
Healthy Habits
Dr. Borgert can handle nutritional counseling and can help you to correct your poor postural habits. Poor posture when sitting, standing, and lifting heavy items can disrupt your sciatic nerve. Live Aligned Family Chiropractic helps you develop healthy habits to prevent future injuries, severe complications, and excruciating pain.
If you think you are manifesting symptoms of sciatica, you may refer to the “Schedule an Appointment” button above to consult with one of our chiropractors.