What is Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve ending in the human body. Formed from five unique nerves stemming from the lower spine, the nerve runs down through the posterior and hips into the heel and sole of the foot. Overstimulation of this nerve can lead to intense pain in a condition known as sciatica. Also called lumbar radiculopathy, pain in the sciatic nerve can keep individuals from enjoying many aspects of their lives.

Complete Care Chiropractic Clinic offers Warren residents some of the most comprehensive sciatica treatments available today. It's important to be aware of the symptoms, types of pain, causes, and categories of sciatica treatments before determining a course of action.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Patients experiencing sciatic nerve pain will quickly be able to identify it from 'regular' back pain. Sciatica often causes burning or shooting pain in the lower back or rear that extends through the thigh, leg, and foot of a single leg. Some patients experience tingling, weakness, and even numbness in areas where the pain is most intense. Symptoms are generally aggravated by movements such as sitting, standing, bending or twisting the spine and lying down. Some cases are severe enough to increase pain simply by coughing or sneezing.

Location of Sciatica Pain

Sciatica entails severe pain in and around the sciatic nerve. This includes the rear, hip, lower back, leg muscles, and the balls of your feet. While it's more common to have sciatica in a single leg, double sciatica is a rare possibility. The pain is often described as:

• Shooting
• Throbbing
• Pulsating
• Continuous

It's important to remember that sciatica is not a medical diagnosis, but rather the underlying symptom to a separate medical problem.

Causes of Sciatica

Anything that puts mechanical pressure or pinches the nerve ending can cause sciatica. This can include:

• Herniated discs
• Spondylolisthesis
• Pregnancy
• Inflammation of the lumbar or pelvic muscles due to spasms

Less commonly, tumor growths and blood clots can pinch the lower spine, inflicting sciatica. Many of these conditions can be treated by a reputable chiropractic agency such as Complete Care.

How Chiropractors Treat and Manage Sciatic Nerve Pain

Treatment for sciatic nerve pain can be tailored to the unique needs of the individual. These include:

• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
• Spinal Manipulation and Adjustment
• Heat and Cold Treatments
• Massages and acupuncture treatments.

For a detailed summary of these treatments, call our office today.

Ready to Find Help?

Located in Warren MI, Complete Care Chiropractic Clinic is dedicated to helping patients achieve their health and wellness goals. To learn more about our sciatica treatments and schedule an appointment, reach out to our office today by calling 586-576-0701.