Sciatica

Sciatica refers to a sciatic nerve pain running along the lower spine. This condition is somewhat common, with at least 3 million U.S. cases reported each year. Sciatica is just one of many medical conditions that Indian Harbor Chiropractic in Greenwich treats.

Common Symptoms of Sciatica

Because sciatica affects the nerves near the lumbar spine, paresthesia-like symptoms are fairly common. Sciatica patients can expect symptoms like spinal weakness, lower back pain, numbness, tingling, and a burning "pins and needles" sensation. The pain might radiate along the legs since the sciatic nerve also covers them.

How Sciatica Develops

Sciatica is most commonly caused by a spinal disc herniation pressing on the lumbar or sacral nerve roots. The pressure of the disc herniation leads to damage, inflammation, and pain in nearby tissue. Sciatica can also be caused by spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, bone spurs, or radiculopathy. This condition is more prevalent among people in their 40s and 50s. Men are at a higher risk of developing sciatica than women.

Knowing the underlying cause of sciatica will help determine a treatment plan.

Chiropractic Care for Sciatica

Surgery or medication isn't necessarily required for a condition like this. Sciatica can be managed with the proper chiropractic care. A certified chiropractor will investigate, diagnose, and treat a case of sciatica. Common treatment methods include:

Spinal Manipulation

Chiropractic adjustments combined with spinal manipulation allow a herniated disc to rest back into position and take the pressure off the sciatic nerve.

Laser therapy

Dr. Gailes is currently the only chiropractor in Greenwich, CT offering Class IV Laser Therapy. Dr. Gailes uses chiropractic adjustments and laser therapy to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and speed up recovery times for all types of injuries. Laser therapy will reduce pain by over 50% in three to four treatments and can complement chiropractic adjustments or be used as an independent form of treatment.

Physical therapy and corrective exercise may also aid in recovery.