The sciatic nerve is the largest in the human body and travels from the lower back and branches off down the back of both legs to the feet. When this nerve is impinged or irritated, it can cause pain ranging from moderate to severe. Often, pain is felt only in one leg, but it can radiate to the feet. There may also be feelings of an electric shock, weakness and numbness in areas where the nerve is compressed. This condition can be caused by a herniated disc, bulging disk, degenerative disc disease, isthmic spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and pregnancy. The growing embryo and weight gain can put pressure on the sciatic nerve. With a herniated disc, the inner gel seeps out into the spinal canal and irritates the sciatic nerve causing sciatica. The weakened discs in degenerative disc disease can expose disc proteins and press on the sciatic nerve. In the condition of isthmic spondylolisthesis, a stress fractures moves on the disc and often compresses the sciatic nerve. And sacroiliac joint dysfunction can irritate the sciatic nerve.
Islands Chiropractic & Massage: Your Gilbert Chiropractor
The key to recovery from sciatica is to eliminate the underlying cause of what is pressing on the sciatic nerve. At Islands Chiropractic & Massage, our Gilbert chiropractor, Dr. Daniel Carlow, implements a holistic approach to treating sciatica and integrates a number of therapeutic treatments to maximize recovery from sciatica. Each treatment modality is designed to work synergistically. Patient treatment plans for sciatica may include spinal manipulations, spinal decompression therapy, massage therapy, electrical stimulation or exercise rehabilitation.
If a bulging disc or herniated disc is compressing the sciatic nerve, Dr. Daniel Carlow gently realigns the spine into its proper position. Spinal decompression therapy may be used in combination with spinal adjustments to increase space between the discs. A computerized device on a specialized traction table gently stretches the spine. It’s painless and totally relaxing. Massage therapy increases blood flow to the affected area to accelerate healing and reduces muscle spasms. With electrical stimulation, a low impulse current is delivered to the injured area to reduce inflammation and increase mobility. Patients are given a set of specific exercises to build muscle, improve flexibility and prevent further injury.
If you’re suffering from sciatica, turn to Islands Chiropractic & Massage for an effective treatment plan. Call us at (480) 545-4580 to schedule an appointment and get on the path to recovery.