Suffering from the pain of sciatica? Dr. John Dallas and the team at Dallas Chiropractic Relief in Lansing, MI, provide natural and effective techniques to bring you the relief you deserve.
Sciatica Symptoms, Causes, and Chiropractic Relief
Of all the causes of back pain, sciatica is one of the most common. It can be an absolutely debilitating thing to deal with. Fortunately, there is a way to find relief naturally – chiropractic care. Below, Dr. Dallas and the team at Dallas Chiropractic Relief in Lansing, MI, explain sciatica, its causes and symptoms, and how a chiropractor can help.
What Is Sciatica, and What Causes It?
Sciatica is a term used for symptoms caused by a sciatic nerve being compressed or pinched. These nerves, of which there are two, are the longest in the body, traveling from the lower back down both legs to your feet. A sciatic nerve often becomes compressed due to misalignment or a herniated disc in the lower back.
How Do I Know If I Have Sciatica?
When the sciatic nerve is impacted, it can create many symptoms that range from uncomfortable to severe. Some of these symptoms include the following:
- A burning sensation
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness, especially in the legs or foot
- A shooting or stabbing pain
One key factor in sciatica symptoms is that they usually occur on one side of the body. These symptoms can occur anywhere along the path of the nerve, including the lower back, hip, leg, or foot. They are often situational, meaning they come on when you sneeze or suddenly move. They might also decrease or disappear after changing positions or walking around, as this can relieve pressure on the nerve.
Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica
Chiropractic treatment is focused on addressing the root cause of the symptoms. In this case, that means relieving the pressure from the sciatic nerve and addressing any contributing factors.
Restoring alignment through adjustments is a key step in sciatica, as it relieves pressure from the discs and nerves. Traction therapy helps to stretch the spine, further relieving nerve compression. Soft tissue therapies can be vital in repairing damaged soft tissues.
Therapeutic exercise typically plays a role, as well. Stretching and strengthening the spine not only relieves pressure but helps support and stabilize the spine. This can both enhance healing and prevent herniated discs and nerve compression in the future.
You don’t have to live with the pain and suffering of sciatica. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Dallas at Dallas Chiropractic Relief in Lansing, MI, by calling (517) 882-0251 today.