Sciatica is a pain that radiates down one or both of the lower limbs. It’s often caused by damage to, or pressure on, the Sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve originates from several roots in the sacral plexus and travels down your posterior thigh before splitting into branches that enter muscles at various points along its length.
The Sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in your body and most likely to be affected by injury or disease. It can be damaged anywhere along its length and often runs close to where a herniated disc may press against it.
Sciatica is when the sciatic nerve becomes squeezed most commonly caused by:
1. A herniated disk in your spine
2. An overgrown bone (bone spur) on your vertebrae
In rarer instances, the nerve can be compressed by a tumor or damage from diabetes.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica symptoms can vary dramatically depending on which part of the Sciatic Nerve has been damaged or compressed.
Sciatica can cause numbness, tingling, muscle weakness or pain in areas such as the foot, knee, buttocks, and back of the leg. A common symptom is pain that travels from the lower back down into one or both feet. Sciatica pain tends to come and go depending on your activity level (for instance, when you are lying down in bed and not moving, there might be no Sciatica symptoms). Some people have chronic sciatica which means they have continuous pain.
The Sciatic nerve has roots that originate from several nerves in the sacral plexus. The root of the Sciatic nerve splits into branches that enter muscles at various points along its length.
Chiropractic Treatments for Sciatica in Fargo, ND
Our Fargo chiropractors treat patients with Sciatica by first doing an initial examination of the spine to determine the root of the pain. A chiropractor will then use his or her hands to manipulate and adjust the position of spinal bones so that pressure on your nerves is relieved. This technique, called chiropractic adjustment, can also help a person’s weight balance and posture.
For patients in the Fargo area who have Sciatica caused by a herniated disk, the Chiropractor works to reduce pain and inflammation. For those with chronic Sciatica, treatments are designed to help preserve and improve mobility.
Chiropractic treatment for patients with Sciatica should always start with adjustments in the spine followed by gentle “hands-on” therapy to reduce inflammation throughout the body. A variety of treatments may be used, including the application of ice or heat, massages, and exercises. Chiropractic treatment can usually help people with Sciatica get better faster than those who rely on pain medication alone or surgery.
Chiropractic Treatments for Sciatica are Effective
A study done by the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at the University of Michigan found that 14 out of 20 patients who received chiropractic adjustments had successful treatment for their Sciatica compared to only 3 out of 13 patients who did not receive any care. In another study, a patient with Sciatica pain had an immediate 87% improvement and full resolution after 1-week post adjustment.
The best treatment for sciatica is to find the source of the problem, relieve stiffness with gentle chiropractic adjustments, then guide your body’s natural healing process. Chiropractors have found that people who are treated for Sciatica and other spinal and joint problems are often able to avoid surgery, which can be risky. Surgery is rarely needed for patients with mild back pain alone which suggests that surgery should be a last resort; especially when one considers the advances in tools such as Anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy and Chiropractic Care has made in the treatment for Sciatica.
What to Expect from Your First Sciatica Treatment at Optimal Chiropractic in Fargo
At your first visit, we will ask you to move into certain positions so that he or she can observe which areas of your spine cause pain and other symptoms such as a loss of sensation. We’ll take X-rays to help determine whether there are any problems with the alignment of your spinal bones.
We may also want to perform a neurological assessment of your nervous system. This is especially important if you are experiencing numbness, tingling or weakness in your legs or feet since this could be a sign that something more serious is causing your Sciatica pain.
By performing these tests, we can determine your underlying problem and how to provide you with the care that will help you get better.
Sciatica Adjustments in Fargo, ND
We may make adjustments to your joints to apply a controlled force to a specific spot on your spine. This technique may be used in combination with heat or cold therapy, massage, exercises, and other techniques to help you get better faster.
Chiropractic adjustments may take just a few minutes and can relieve pressure on the nerves that are connected to Sciatica pain. This pressure can cause inflammation and pain, which is why it is important to receive regular adjustments. The more often you receive a chiropractic adjustment, the better your Sciatica will be managed so that you can get back to living without limitation and fear of chronic pain.
Sciatica Exercises
In addition to receiving regular chiropractic adjustments, there are some exercises that you can do to help speed up your recovery from Sciatica. These moves will help strengthen your back muscles as well as your core so that you will be more prepared to handle the stress that comes with everyday activities.
Some of the best exercises for those with Sciatica are as follows:
- Lying on your back and drawing circles with your toes to work on the muscles in your lower back.
- Using a stability ball to maintain balance and do crunches.
- Stretching by bending over from a standing position.
When Should You See a Chiropractor in Fargo for Sciatica?
If you are experiencing any Sciatica symptoms, seek out the help of a Chiropractor as soon as possible. Your pain may be a sign that something is going wrong with your body and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. If you ignore it and wait too long to find relief for Sciatica then your condition could worsen which could lead to a more difficult and drawn-out recovery.
Since it is difficult to know whether you have Sciatica or another type of spinal problem, make sure that you are receiving the proper treatment for your condition. Chiropractors are specially trained in the field of spinal care and can efficiently work through your Sciatica pain so that you can live a healthy and active life.
Sciatica is a painful condition that can be caused by many different factors. If you are experiencing Sciatica symptoms, it may be time to see our Chiropractic team in West Fargo. There are many things we will need to know about the pain before we can provide you with relief which include how long you have had Sciatica and where you feel the most pressure in your back. The sooner treatment begins for Sciatica, the better chance of recovery.
We specialize in treating conditions like Sciatica because our team has years of training in spinal care and we want nothing more than to help people get their life back after living through chronic pain.
If you want to end your Sciatica pain, contact our Chiropractic office in West Fargo. We’re here to help!
