If you regularly experience a sharp, shooting pain in your lower back or buttocks, sciatica may be to blame. This common but painful condition affects nearly 40% of the adult population and often strikes with little warning. At Creative Health & Spine in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, Andrew Fetterman, DC, has helped 1000’s of patients in relieving sciatica pain using non-invasive Spinal Decompression, Chiropractic treatment and rehabilitative care methods. Call the office or click the online booking tool today to make your appointment.
Contrary to popular belief, sciatica isn’t the name for a medical condition. Instead, it’s a term used to describe pain, irritation, or general discomfort felt along your sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body and runs from your lower back, over your buttocks, down your thighs, and into your legs. Sciatica may occur due to various conditions, but it’s most commonly the result of a slipped or herniated disc.
The most common symptom of sciatica is a sharp, shooting, electric pain that starts in the lower back and travels down a leg or sometimes both. Other common symptoms include numbness in your legs and feet and pins-and-needles sensations in your toes. The pain caused by sciatica varies in severity but is typically worse after long periods of sitting or lying down.
Sciatica mainly affects adults, but children may suffer, too. However, certain factors increase your risk, including middle age, having a job requiring repetitive motions or heavy lifting, and living a primarily sedentary lifestyle. You can significantly lower your risk by exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight.
To diagnose sciatica, your provider performs a physical exam, asks questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing, and reviews your medical history. They might also recommend an X-ray or MyoVisionⓇ, commonly known as the EKG for spinal health, to pinpoint the underlying source of your discomfort. MyoVision is entirely noninvasive and pain-free.
After gathering all of the necessary information, the Creative Health & Spine team develops a custom chiropractic treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs.
Spinal decompression and Chiropractic treatment for sciatica aims to alleviate your symptoms and increase your overall mobility. Typically, this involves a combination of chiropractic adjustments using nonsurgical spinal decompression, rehabilitative6 exercise, and ice or heat therapy. The team might recommend vitamin supplements or nutrition modifications to encourage your body’s natural healing processes.
Although chiropractic is generally successful at treating and relieving sciatica, sometimes further intervention is necessary. If your pain persists or your symptoms worsen, your provider can refer you to a physical therapist or orthopedic specialist.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans suffering from sciatica, help is available. Call the Creative Health & Spine office or click the online booking tool to make an appointment today