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Sciatica Treatment: What Patients Need to Know

Written By ChiroConcepts of Frisco North on July 8, 2021

Sciatica TreatmentThe sciatic nerve branches down from the lower back through the hips and down the legs. When this nerve becomes compressed (such as from a bone spur or the narrowing of the spinal canal) it causes the pain of sciatica. Sciatica symptoms can be severe, but the good news is that most cases can be resolved through nonsurgical interventions, including chiropractic care.

Importance of an Accurate Diagnosis

If you suspect you may have sciatica, it’s important to receive an accurate diagnosis. There are other conditions that have similar symptoms, such as piriformis syndrome, which occurs when the piriformis muscle in a person’s backside compresses or pushes against the sciatic nerve. When you meet with your provider, be sure to provide a full list of your symptoms. Sciatica generally causes the following:

  • Pain, perhaps accompanied by numbness or tingling, that extends from the lower back down the buttock and down the back of one leg
  • Pain that may vary from a mild ache to a sharp burning sensation
  • Pain that may worsen when you cough or sneeze

Note that it’s possible for sciatica to cause severe complications. If you experience the loss of bowel or bladder function, or if you lose feeling in the leg, please call 911 for immediate medical assistance. Otherwise, a chiropractor can conduct a physical exam and take your medical history to provide an accurate diagnosis. In some cases, the chiropractor may want to take x-rays. These can reveal whether a bone spur could be pressing against the sciatic nerve.

Options for Sciatica Treatment

For many people, the first course of action is to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, yet these have the potential to cause side effects and they aren’t recommended for long-term use. A chiropractor can provide rapid relief that lasts. Your main options for sciatica treatment and preventing its future recurrence are as follows:

  • Spinal adjustments—Sciatica is often caused by the misalignment of vertebral bodies (parts of the spine). Your chiropractor can precisely apply gentle pressure to the misaligned portion of the spine in order to properly align it and relieve the compression on the sciatic nerve. In one study of patients who suffered from sciatica caused by vertebral body protrusion, spinal manipulation was proven effective, with no adverse effects reported.
  • Physical rehabilitation—A physical rehab program for sciatica typically involves exercises designed to correct posture, improve flexibility, and strengthen the muscles that support your back. Physical rehab can help prevent sciatica from recurring.

Effective Sciatica Treatment in Frisco, TX

You don’t have to live with sciatica symptoms any longer. Find the sciatica treatment you need at ChiroConcepts of Frisco North. Our state-of-the-art facility in Frisco delivers patient-centered care designed to relieve pain quickly and provide long-term solutions.

Contact us today at (469) 850-0222 to request an appointment for a chiropractic adjustment with ChiroConcepts of Frisco North .


Posted In: Chiropractic Sciatica Treatment