By: Brooks Laber D.C.
Do you suffer from low back pain, tingling or burning sensation down the leg, muscle weakness, occasional tingling in the toes? If so you may be suffering from a condition known as sciatica.
So first off, what is sciatica? Sciatica is actually a set of symptoms that include:
- Pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve
- Mild tingling, or burning sensation on one side of the body
- Pins-and-needles sensation most often in toes or foot
- Numbness or muscle weakness in leg or foot
- Begins slowly, and gradually intensifies over time.
- Can get worse with prolonged sitting, sneezing, coughing, bending, or sudden movements.
So now what, what should you do if you suffer from the set of symptoms noted above? Visit your local chiropractor and get to the bottom of what is causing your sciatic pain. By taking a thorough history, and performing an exam focusing on the low back, with some added sensory, neurological, and muscle test, and imaging if necessary your chiropractor will be able to locate the cause of the sciatica.
What does typical treatment protocol for sciatica for a chiropractor consist of? A chiropractor first will focus on taking pressure of the sciatic nerve through specific adjustments to the injured area. By improving the movement, and function of the spine they are able to remove pressure on the nerve. Depending on the cause of the sciatica, chiropractors may also use the following:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Electric muscle stim
- Hot or cold packs
- Rehabilitative exercises
- Ultrasound
- Traction
- Flexion Distraction
- Active Release Techniques
While it’s not always possible to prevent sciatica symptoms, here are some common simple steps that can help protect your back, and improve your spinal health:
- Maintain a healthy diet and weight
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain proper posture
- Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest
- If you smoke, seek help to quit
- Use good body mechanics when lifting
If you or a loved one have been suffering from sciatica in Shakopee give us a call at Brooks Chiropractic (952) 456-6611. We are here to answer any questions, and help you get out of pain quickly and back on track living your life. In the video below Dr. Brooks describes sciatica, and how chiropractic can help alleviate, and fix the issue.