Leading Sciatica Chiropractor

What Is Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is a group of five specific spinal nerves that extend from the lower back to the toes and is the most substantial nerve grouping in the body. Sciatica pain occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or presses against a neighboring structure. Sciatic nerve issues can cause widespread pain and dysfunction in the lower body.

Common Causes of Sciatica Pain

There are many factors that can increase sciatic nerve pain, however, the following are the most common causes of sciatica pain we see here in our office: 

• Frequent bending or lifting

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Pregnancy

• Overweight or diabetes

• Car Accident

• Work Injury

• Sports Injury

It’s important to keep in mind that sciatica pain is not limited to these conditions, anyone can develop sciatic nerve pain following an accident or repetitive muscle strain. Each of these conditions or events are causing some form of sciatic nerve compression. Whether this compression is caused by misaligned vertebrae, bulging discs, or weight gain, it can cause pain and dysfunction for the entire lower body.

Occasionally, a patient will suddenly develop back pain after bending down to pick up an object. Even though this action may seem to have triggered and caused the pain, it’s really just the final step in a long chain of events since the underlying conditions that lead to sciatic nerve compression develop over time.

Symptoms of Sciatica Pain

Our patients often describe their sciatic nerve pain as shooting or stabbing. Others say it’s more of a dull ache or a tingling ‘pins and needles’ sensation. Patients who see us for sciatica chiropractic care often have pain that travels from the lower back to the toes. Most frequently, the pain travels down the back of the legs or feels like a painful cramp in the buttock.

Sciatica can not only cause pain in the lower back and legs, but it can also actually cause loss of function in the legs, feet, and toes. This can make everyday tasks difficult and can be particularly hazardous for patients with diabetes who may not feel cuts or scratches that could lead to infection. Sciatica can also cause weakness, making it even more difficult to perform everyday activities.

Patients with sciatica often find that the pain significantly impacts their quality of life. The pain can range from mildly disturbing to intensely debilitating, and it can flare intermittently or become a constant problem. No matter which level or frequency patients experience, sciatica always significantly impacts their quality of life.

For many patients, the most challenging aspect of treating sciatica is finding a treatment plan that works for them. Sciatic nerve issues can vary widely across patients, making it difficult to find a one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are several effective treatments available, and working with our knowledgeable sciatica chiropractors at Health From Within can help you find the right treatment for your individual needs.

How Chiropractic Works to Eliminate Sciatica Pain

Here at Health From Within, our chiropractic for sciatica pain focuses on addressing the source of the sciatic nerve pain. The spine surrounds the beginning of the sciatic nerve, therefore ensuring your spine is in proper alignment can reduce or eliminate nerve compression. We refer to any deviation in the spine that interferes with nerves as subluxation. When we correct subluxations eliminate sciatic nerve issues at their source.

We focus on helping our patients live healthier lives, not just treating their immediate symptoms. We believe that nutrition, exercise, sleep, and social support are all important factors in maintaining good health. A healthy lifestyle combined with chiropractic care provides your body with a remarkable ability to heal itself.  

Sciatica Treatment

At Health From Within, our chiropractors don’t just help patients get relief from pain, they also help you live and enjoy better lives. That said, relieving pain is where we begin. It’s been our experience that once patients have less pain they can then work towards improving other areas of their lives, like nutrition and movement.

Since each patient is unique, so is the way we target the source of pain. We have outlined some of our more popular sciatica chiropractic care options below but always welcome questions from prospective or current patients.

Spinal Decompression*

One of our most common treatments for sciatic nerve pain is spinal decompression. This treatment can provide relief by stretching and decompressing the lower back, which takes the pressure off of the sciatic nerve. The discs between the spinal vertebrae contain material that can bulge outwards which compresses the nerve. When we stretch and decompress the lower back, it allows space for the material inside the disc to return to its proper place, restoring normal alignment and function.

*Please note that spinal decompression is only available at our Bettendorf, IA office. 

Custom Therapeutic Exercise Plan

One of the most effective ways of improving range of motion, building strength, and flexibility is through a custom therapeutic exercise plan. When muscles are coordinated and balanced it provides stable support allowing the spine to remain supple and free to move. Spinal subluxations are more likely to occur when muscles aren’t in balance.

Chiropractic adjustments help our patients feel better and exercise ensures that they continue to get healthier. When you regularly perform exercise it helps the body to form enough muscular support to maintain healthy spinal alignment. At your initial exam we’ll assess how you sit, stand, and move to analyze your movement patterns and muscle tone. Then, we create a comprehensive therapeutic exercise plan to provide you with the most opportunity to build muscle where they need it most.

When To Seek Chiropractic Care For Sciatica

Some mild sciatic nerve pain can resolve on its own or with homecare such as ice packs and rest. However, we recommend calling us immediately for chiropractic care if your pain:

• Has lasted for more than a week

• Doesn’t respond to supportive homecare or worsens

• Causes leg weakness or numbness

Sciatica Nerve Treatment For You

If you're searching for "sciatica treatment near me," you're in the right place. At Health From Within, we offer chiropractic care for sciatica that can provide relief from your symptoms and help you get back to living your life.