What is Sciatica and How Can Chiropractic Care Improve Pain

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body running from the lower back to the lower leg and can measure up to three-quarters of an inch in diameter. Sciatica is characterized by pain that originates in the lower back or buttock that travels to one or both legs. The intensity and frequency of the nerve pain can vary from minimal to severe and occasional to constant. Sciatica is also called referred pain, neuropathy, or neuralgia and is really a symptom of a disorder. Doctors of chiropractic medicine regularly treat sciatica.

• Shooting pain that makes standing difficult
• Pain is limited to one side of the leg and/or buttocks
• Pain that worsens when you sit
• Tingling or burning feeling down your leg
• Weakness/numbness in one leg
• Pain relief only when you lay down

Sciatica pain is the result of nerve impingement or compression which can result from:

• Bulging/herniated disc
• Narrowing of the spine
• Tumors along the spine
• Misalignment
• Trauma

The type of chiropractic care provided depends on the cause of a person’s sciatica. Sciatica treatment may include several different treatments including cold therapies, TENS, and spinal adjustments.

• Cold therapy can reduce inflammation and help control sciatic pain.
• TENS units use variable intensities of electrical currents to control acute pain and reduce muscle spasms.
• Spinal adjustments are the core of chiropractic care. This technique helps with restricted movement of the spine and helps restore misaligned vertebral bodies to their proper position. This helps to reduce nerve irritability responsible for inflammation, muscle spasm, pain, and other symptoms related to sciatica.

Chiropractic treatment aims to help the body's potential for healing itself. It is based on the scientific principle that restricted spinal movement leads to pain and reduced function and performance. Chiropractic care is non-surgical, drug-free and is a great option when it comes to getting your sciatica treated. At Spring Street Chiropractic, we've been helping patients to achieve pain-free lives for more than 20 years. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Allan Sicignano and see what chiropractic care can do for you.