Sciatica

Sciatica is a common issue among men and women. At IllumINNATE Walk-In Family Chiropractic in Fargo, North Dakota, Amy Christianson, DC, and her team offer a range of treatments for sciatica and numerous other conditions affecting your spine and joint health. Learn more during a personalized consultation, which you can book over the phone or using the online scheduling tool. 

What are sciatica symptoms?

Sciatica is a condition that causes pain along the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back down through the hips and legs.

In most cases, sciatica only affects one side of the body, but it can cause pain to radiate around the hips, buttocks, lower back, thighs, and calves.

Some patients with sciatica might have pain that feels like cramping, burning, pins and needles, tingling, or sharp and shooting. The affected areas might also feel weak, and the pain may worsen when you cough, sneeze, or move your body in specific ways.

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica commonly occurs when a herniated disc pinches the sciatic nerve. It can also develop as the result of a bone spur on your vertebrae or from a tumor that’s compressing the nerve.

You may be more likely to develop sciatica as you age since the spine becomes more vulnerable to disc problems or bone spurs. You might also be more prone to sciatica if you’re overweight, have diabetes, or have a job requiring you to carry heavy equipment or sit for long periods.

How does a chiropractor treat sciatica?

The primary form of treatment at IllumINNATE Walk-In Family Chiropractic is spinal adjustments. These are the cornerstones of chiropractic care and help restore misaligned vertebrae's proper position and functionality.

Your provider uses a number of unique tests and procedures to determine which, if any, vertebrae are compromised. Using spinal adjustments or spinal manipulation, they apply quick, gentle corrective pressure to the vertebrae. That changes the spine's position and relieves the pressure from the sciatic nerve.

Besides adjustments, your treatment plan may include:

• Therapeutic exercises and stretches
• Soft tissue and massage therapy
• Physical modalities, like electrical stimulation or ultrasound therapy
• Dietary and nutritional counseling
• Lifestyle modification counseling
  

What are the benefits of chiropractic care for sciatica?

Chiropractic care for sciatica can provide both immediate and long-term pain relief. It’s a safe and effective treatment option for most patients, and adjustments typically aren’t uncomfortable.  In fact, many people enjoy chiropractic adjustments because they feel better almost immediately. 

Call or schedule online today to book a consultation with IllumINNATE Walk-In Family Chiropractic.