Sciatica

Up to 40% of Americans develop sciatica –– a painful condition that causes lower back and leg pain. At Complete Healthcare in Charlotte, North Carolina, experienced chiropractor Christopher L. Beller, DC, and the team offer various treatments for sciatica, including chiropractic adjustments, decompression therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

Call Complete Healthcare today to receive treatment for back pain, or make your appointment online.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when your sciatic nerve –– the longest nerve in your body –– gets compressed by a bone spur or a herniated intervertebral disc.

Your sciatic nerve runs from your lower back, down your buttocks, and into your legs. If it’s pinched, it triggers a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, affecting your mobility and quality of life. 

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Symptoms of sciatica include:

• Pain in the lower back, legs, or buttocks
• Numbness or weakness
• Pain that’s worse during movement
• Pins and needles feelings in your legs and feet

If sciatica goes untreated, you may lose control of your bladder or bowels.

Should I see a chiropractor about sciatica?

Make an appointment with the team at Complete Healthcare if you have any of the above symptoms and they don’t improve with at-home treatments, like rest, ice, or anti-inflammatory medicine. That’s particularly true if your symptoms affect your mobility or keep you from your normal routine.

How is sciatica diagnosed?

Your Complete Healthcare provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. Then, they complete a physical exam, checking your muscle strength and reflexes. 

Your provider asks you to walk on your toes and heels and to lift your legs while lying on your back. If you have sciatica, your pain worsens during these activities.

How is sciatica treated?

At Complete Healthcare, the team treats sciatica using an integrative and conservative approach. They may recommend:

• Low-level light therapy (LLLT)
• Trigger point therapy
• Traction
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Cryotherapy
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy (TENS)
• Muscle stimulation
• Manual therapy
• Massage
• Spinal decompression therapy
• Chiropractic manipulation

Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause, it may take several types of treatment.

Is there any way to prevent sciatica?

There’s no way to prevent sciatica entirely, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk. The team at Complete Healthcare recommends exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing good posture when sitting. 

It’s also important to use your body correctly. For example, if you work a job that requires you to lift heavy objects, make sure to lift with your legs and not your back. Adjustments like this can make all the difference and keep your spine healthy for years to come. 

Call Complete Healthcare today to receive treatment for sciatica, or book your appointment online.