Sciatica can cause pain, numbness, tingling or other uncomfortable sensations that travel from the lower back into the buttock and leg. For some people, it can make sitting, standing, walking, exercising or sleeping difficult.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may be wondering: What exactly is sciatica, and can chiropractic care help?
At Fresh Start Chiropractic in Linwood, NJ, we look at the spine as a whole and evaluate how the joints, muscles and nervous system are functioning together. Our goal is not simply to chase a symptom, but to help improve spinal movement and function so your body can work and adapt as well as possible.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica describes symptoms involving the sciatic nerve or the nerve roots that contribute to it. The sciatic nerve travels from the lower back through the buttocks and down the leg.
Sciatica symptoms may include:
• Pain traveling from the low back or buttock into the leg
• Numbness or tingling
• Burning or shooting sensations
• Leg discomfort that changes with certain positions or movements
• Weakness in the leg or foot in some cases
Not every type of leg pain is sciatica. A proper evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatic symptoms can have several possible causes.
Sometimes the nerves in the lower back become irritated or compressed. This can occur with problems involving spinal discs, joints or surrounding tissues.
Other times, symptoms may be related to how the lower back, pelvis and surrounding muscles are moving and functioning.
Activities such as lifting, repetitive work, prolonged sitting, exercise or an injury may contribute to the development or aggravation of symptoms.
Because there are different potential causes, it is important to look at the individual rather than assuming every case of leg pain is the same.
When Should You See a Chiropractor for Sciatica?
You may want to have your spine evaluated if you have:
• Persistent low back or leg symptoms
• Pain that travels from your back or buttock into your leg
• Numbness or tingling
• Difficulty sitting, standing or walking comfortably
• Symptoms that keep returning
• Stiffness or restricted movement in your lower back
• Symptoms that are interfering with exercise, work or everyday activities
An evaluation can help determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate or whether another type of healthcare evaluation would be more appropriate.
Can Chiropractic Care Help Sciatica?
Depending on the cause of the symptoms, chiropractic care may help improve spinal joint movement and function.
At Fresh Start Chiropractic, care may include chiropractic adjustments along with other techniques based on the individual patient. These can include manual or instrument-assisted adjustments, drop-table techniques, SOT blocks, flexion-distraction, muscle work and other approaches when appropriate.
The goal is to improve how the spine and surrounding structures move and function rather than simply trying to make a symptom disappear temporarily.
Sciatica and Your Nervous System
Your spine does more than provide support for your body. It also protects the spinal cord and provides the framework through which nerves travel to different parts of the body.
That is one reason we believe spinal health is about more than simply whether your back hurts.
Healthy movement gives your body information about position and movement. The nervous system constantly receives and processes this information as you move through everyday life.
At Fresh Start Chiropractic, we focus on helping patients maintain healthy spinal movement and function—not only when something hurts, but as part of an overall approach to health and wellness.
Why Regular Chiropractic Care Can Matter
Many people think about chiropractic care only when they have a problem.
But maintaining your spine can be similar to maintaining your teeth or staying physically active. You do not brush your teeth only after they hurt, and you do not exercise only after you become weak.
Regular chiropractic care may be part of a long-term approach to maintaining spinal health and function.
For some patients, care begins because of a specific problem such as sciatica. Once symptoms improve, the focus can shift toward maintaining healthy movement and helping the spine continue to function well.
When Sciatica Needs Medical Evaluation
Some symptoms require prompt medical attention.
Seek prompt medical evaluation for symptoms such as significant or rapidly worsening weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the saddle/groin area, or symptoms following a serious injury.
If you are unsure whether chiropractic care is appropriate, an evaluation can help determine the next step.
Looking for a Chiropractor for Sciatica in Northfield or Linwood, NJ?
If you are dealing with sciatica, low back pain, leg symptoms or recurring back problems, Fresh Start Chiropractic can evaluate your spinal health and determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for you.
We serve patients from Linwood, Northfield, Egg Harbor Township and surrounding South Jersey communities.
Fresh Start Chiropractic
6 Shore Road
Linwood, NJ 08221
609-926-8900
Your health is something you build—not something you wait until you lose.