An electric jolt of pain that frequently passes through your pelvis and leg could well be due to sciatica. If you’re experiencing these distressing symptoms, Bill Sheppard, DC, of United Chiropractic and Medical in Katy, Texas, can help. Dr. Sheppard and his team use chiropractic techniques and treatments like spinal decompression and massage therapy to relieve the nerve compression in your lower back that causes sciatica. To get relief from your sciatica symptoms, call United Chiropractic and Medical today or book an appointment online.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a back problem that causes shooting or electric shock-type pain that travels down through your hip and buttock into your leg. Usually, the pain affects one leg, although some people get sciatica in both legs.
The reason that pain goes down the legs when you have sciatica is that this is where the sciatic nerve goes. It starts in your lower (lumbar) spine, then splits in two in your pelvis. One half of the nerve then extends into each leg.
Compression or pinching of the sciatic nerve is the trigger for sciatica pain and other symptoms.
What other symptoms does sciatica cause?
In addition to lower back and leg pain, sciatica can cause tingling sensations, weakness, and numbness. You might also have problems controlling your leg movements.
You may experience symptoms occasionally or persistently, and they can sometimes extend to your feet, where the sciatic nerve ends.
Sciatica pain typically gets worse when you sit down. The severity of the pain can vary between mild and excruciating.
What causes sciatica?
The nerve compression or irritation that triggers sciatica could result from:
- Muscle spasms in your back or buttocks
- Arthritis and bone spurs
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Spondylolisthesis (vertebrae slipping over other vertebrae)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Pregnancy
You’re more likely to experience sciatica if you don’t get enough exercise or you’re carrying too much weight. Sleeping on a poor quality mattress or one that lacks proper support and wearing high heels are also risk factors for sciatica.
How is sciatica treated?
Successful treatment of sciatica involves making adjustments that realign your spine, which relieves the pressure on your sciatic nerve.
United Chiropractic and Medical specializes in using manual and device-assisted chiropractic techniques to address the issues causing sciatica, including DRX9000® spinal decompression.
You can also benefit from physical therapy and a program of home exercises. Massage therapy, activity modification, and lifestyle changes such as losing weight and wearing footwear with proper support are also important parts of your treatment program.
If you think you have sciatica or you’re suffering from any other type of back pain, call United Chiropractic and Medical or book an appointment online today.