Sciatica is a pain in the rear end—literally. Sciatica is typically characterized by a recurring pain that occurs anywhere along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, running from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down each leg. Unfortunately, some people don’t realize they have sciatica, which can delay treatment. Here are a few symptoms of sciatica:
Pain: If you feel a constant burning, stinging, or shooting sensation running down your legs, it might be sciatica. Although some sciatica pain might be localized to a general spot, some patients report moving, illusive leg and back pain.
Numbness or Tingling: If your legs feel numb or tingly, it might be because your sciatic nerve is compressed. Some patients report that their legs or back feel like “pins and needles.”
Weakness: Severe sciatica can even cause numbness, which can make it hard to walk, move, or even drive properly.
Although sciatica is most common in people who are between 30 to 50 years old, it can occur in any person who has spinal problems. Here are a few reasons sciatica develops:
Slipped Vertebrae: Excessive weight or injury can cause your vertebrae to slip over one another, which pinches nerves and causes sciatica.
Pregnancy: In addition to carrying around more weight, pregnant women also have more pressure on their spinal column, which can cause sciatica. Also, since the womb rests heavily on the pelvis, extra pressure can exacerbate existing sciatica symptoms.
Degenerative Disc Disease: Sometimes as people age, they develop a condition called degenerative disc disease, which is where the actual vertebrae break down and put pressure on the spinal cord. This condition can severely impact the sufferer’s ability to move, and patients may have to have spinal fusion surgery to correct the problem.
Fortunately, learning that you have sciatica isn’t a sentence for an uncomfortable life. After a thorough examination of your spinal column, Dr. Shaw can help by administering these therapies:
Targeted Exercises: Sometimes when the back muscles are weak, it can throw off a person’s balance and disrupt the spinal cord alignment. However, by learning a few exercises, you might be able to strengthen these muscles and gain control over your sciatica.
Chiropractic Adjustments: Dr. Shaw can also use a series of movements to realign your backbones and alleviate sciatica. Although this process might sound scary, most patients report that adjustments feel like a deep back rub. Contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shaw so he can treat your sciatica.
TREATMENT PLAN FOR SCIATICA
Unfotunately, learning that you have sciatica isn’t a sentence for an uncomfortable life. After a thorough examination of your spinal column, Dr. Shaw can help by administering these therapies:
Targeted Exercises: Sometimes when the back muscles are weak, it can throw off a person’s balance and disrupt the spinal cord alignment. However, by learning a few exercises, you might be able to strengthen these muscles and gain control over your sciatica.
Chiropractic Adjustments: Dr. Shaw can also use a series of movements to realign your backbones and alleviate sciatica. Although this process might sound scary, most patients report that adjustments feel like a deep back rub. Contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shaw so he can treat your sciatica.
PATIENT TESTIMONY
Patricia Ostler 13yr old son & I were looking for help with posture, ankle pain, knee pain, lower back and headaches. Reasonable prices and I don't have insurance so I was eager to see what he was able to do. After our first visit my son said his body felt "lighter" and that he "can stand up straight without getting tired" which is more the he has said about anyone else we've been too! This is exciting I think WE HAVE FOUND OUR DOCTOR!!!