Non-surgical treatments at Vernal ChiroCenter Spine and Disc can help patients recover from sciatica. Although sciatica is not a life-threatening condition, long-term compression of the sciatic nerve can lead to permanent damage and loss of function. Seeing our chiropractor in Vernal for prompt chiropractic care can prevent these and other complications such as chronic pain and reduced mobility. Early treatment with spinal adjustments or spinal decompression, along with massage therapies, can prevent surgery.
What is Sciatica?
In medical terms, sciatica means pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve pathway to the lower extremities due to a pinched nerve root in the lower back. The nerve branches out from the lumbar spine to hips and continues through the buttocks down the legs to the feet.
Common Sciatica Causes
Spine injury, musculoskeletal damage, and age-related deterioration of the intervertebral discs are the usual culprits. For example, a back injury from an auto accident can shift the spine out of alignment or rupture the disc. The herniated disc material can touch and irritate the nearby nerve ending, causing inflammation and pain. Nerve compression also occurs from:
- Bone spur
- Poor posture
- Spondylolisthesis
- Piriformis syndrome
- Narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
- Weight on the lower spine from pregnancy or obesity
Common Sciatica Symptoms
Some patients feel a sharp shooting or dull aching low back pain or numbness, tingling, and weakness that shifts to the hip then down the leg. Only one side of the body is typically affected. Other symptoms are:
- A burning or pins-and-needles sensation
- Stiffness or trouble moving without feeling pain
- Pain that intensifies with prolong sitting or standing
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (severe cases)
- Coughing or sneezing may aggravate the symptoms
Non-Surgical Sciatica Relief from Our Chiropractor in Vernal
Sciatic nerve pain could be tolerable or debilitating. Dr. Allan can assist in alleviating pain and restoring nervous system function by relieving the pressure on the nerve. Spinal adjustment is a technique performed using the hands or a small tool to manipulate the discs, bones, and tissue back into alignment. This releases the pinched nerve, reduces inflammation, and eases the pain.
Non-surgical spinal decompression focuses on stretching the vertebrae and creating a negative pressure within the discs. This causes the gel-like, cushiony disc material to pull back into place, thereby freeing the trapped nerve.
Both spinal adjustments and decompression therapy help the injured nerve heal and resume normal function. Massage therapy works to reduce inflammation and stiffness and boost healing. Patients usually feel immediate relief and are back to their old selves after several chiropractic treatment sessions.
Drug-Free Chiropractic Care for Sciatic Nerve Pain
Each patient goes through a detailed physical and clinical assessment before receiving individualized wellness care at Vernal ChiroCenter Spine and Disc. Book an appointment with our certified chiropractor in Vernal, UT, today by calling 435-781-6035.
