Sciatica is a term used to describe pain that radiates from your lower back through your hips and down the back of your leg. Sciatica symptoms can range from mild to severe, with severe pain restricting your range of motion and mobility. Fortunately, you can find sciatica relief through chiropractic treatment. These FAQs from Dr. Reiche at Active Chiropractic LLC PA in Saco provide answers to some of the common questions people have about sciatica.
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica is generally caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve, which may occur from a herniated disc, bone spur, or misaligned structures in your spine. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body, extending from your lower back all the way to your toes. Impingement of any part of this nerve can trigger sciatica symptoms.
Trauma from a slip and fall, car accident, or sports injury can lead to sciatic nerve pain. Jobs that require excessive sitting, bending, standing, or physically demanding activities can also contribute to sciatica symptoms.
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
Pain that extends from your lower back through your buttocks and down your leg is the most common symptom of sciatica. You may also experience lower back pain on only one side of your body. Sciatica symptoms can make it difficult to stand, sit, walk, or perform daily tasks. Sciatic nerve pain may also be accompanied by numbness, muscle weakness, and muscle spasms, which further contribute to a loss of mobility.
How does a chiropractor treat sciatica?
Sciatica caused by a herniated disc can be treated with spinal decompression as this technique expands the space between the vertebra to relieve pressure from your sciatic nerve. Freeing the nerve from impingement reduces painful symptoms. If the pain is caused by spinal misalignments pressing on the sciatic nerve, chiropractic adjustments can be used to restore balance to your system, easing the pressure from the nerve.
We may combine these techniques with massage therapy, which relaxes tense muscles and releases pain-reducing endorphins into your system to promote pain-free movement. Stretching exercises can aid in restoring spinal function, flexibility, and mobility. We have ample experience treating sciatic nerve pain and can help you get the most from your treatment.
Visit Our Chiropractor in Saco, ME
Chiropractic care offers a drug-free, holistic means of treating sciatica and finding pain relief. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Reiche for chiropractic care, call Active Chiropractic LLC PA today at (207) 571-8028 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.
