Sciatica treatment by San Rafael Chiropractor

Sciatica is a common condition and is recognized by specific symptoms, which usually consists of pain that starts in the lower back or butt and then travels down to one or both legs. Sciatica affects the sciatic nerve, which is the large nerve that extends from the lower back down the back of each leg. Chiropractors regularly treat sciatica and the sciatic nerve pain varies in intensity and frequency. San Rafael Chiropractic care at San Rafael Auto Accident Injury Chiropractic Center is a great place to start when it comes to sciatica-like shooting pain or any of the associated symptoms.

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What is Sciatica and how does it occur?

Sciatica is a common problem for many people and is a common back disorder that affects roughly 1 in 10 adults in the United States. It is most predominant in those between the ages of 25 and 45. The sciatic nerve pain can be so severe; it not only slows down mobility, but can prevent people from working, taking care of their home, or enjoying their life. Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the leg or butt while sitting
• Burning or tingling that runs down your leg
• Weakness or difficulty moving your leg or foot
• Constant pain in one side of your butt
• Difficulty standing due to shooting pain

Sciatica typically affects only one side of the lower body and pain travels from the lower back through the back of the thigh, and down through the leg and to the foot or toes. For some people, the pain can be severe and for others, it may be occasional but irritating and gets worse over time. Sciatica is usually triggered by the irritation of the lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine, as well as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and pregnancy, which can add strain to the spine.

Other common irritants include:

• Excess weight
• Lack of regular exercise
• Wearing high heels
• A mattress that is too soft

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What happens if sciatica is left untreated?

It is very important for patients to recognize the symptoms of sciatic and get assistance for the condition. A doctor will take prompt prescribed tests, which help to identify the cause of the sciatica pain in order to figure out the specific treatment required for the condition.

If a patient does not seek any form of medical assistance for their sciatica problem, it may result in amplification of the condition over time. There are several possible problems can come up for the patient, besides the continued pain in the back and the hip region, and they include:

• Permanent Damage: When you don’t seek medical help right for sciatica, you run a high risk of experiencing permanent nerve damage. When it comes to permanent damage to the sciatica nerve, the patient experiences excruciating pain in the back and legs that cannot be alleviated, even when using pain relieving medication.
• Paralysis in the Affected Limb: Patients can experience a loss of feeling in the affected limb. In many cases, it also leads to difficulty in movement and eventually paralysis. The affected limb eventually loses all sensation and movement, which hampers the patient already bothered with the excruciating pain.
• Loss of Bladder Control: Patients can experience a loss of control in their bladder and bowels, which adds to the problems they are already dealing with.

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How San Rafael Chiropractors treat sciatica?

Chiropractic adjustments are designed to realign the spine, which takes pressure off of the nerve and often brings quick relief. Once the pain decreases, the body can begin to heal itself. While adjustments are usually the most often used, chiropractors use other treatments, especially if an adjustment may not be advisable. Treatments may include:

• Ultrasound
• TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) device
• Ice therapy

Ultrasound warms the area and boosts circulation, which helps reduce swelling and muscle tension. A TENS device help relieve pain by using a slight electric current, which relaxes muscle spasms and increases endorphins. Massage therapy is also a helpful option. In some people, sciatica can even correct itself, with the possibility of it occurring only once or a couple of times. A chiropractor at San Rafael Auto Accident Injury Chiropractic Center can help you find relief and come up with a course of action. They can help decide how many treatments you need and often, several treatments will be needed if the pain has been occurring for some time. Chiropractic care is the best option for those looking to avoid surgery and pain relief drugs. If you are interested in learning more about chiropractic care at San Rafael Auto Accident Injury Chiropractic Center, give us a call at (415) 877-9400. We are more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.