Sciatica

Lower back pain that extends into one or both legs might be caused by sciatic nerve compression (sciatica). If you develop sciatica symptoms, Repair Recover Restore (R3) in White Plains and Port Chester, New York, specializes in using physical medicine to reduce pain and improve function. The experienced team combines chiropractic techniques with massage therapy and other noninvasive treatments to address sciatica’s root cause. Call your nearest Repair Recover Restore office or book an appointment online today for safe, effective sciatica care.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a painful condition causing shooting or electric shock-type pain. It originates in the lower back, but the worst pain is often in your hip or buttock and leg.

While both legs can develop sciatica at once, it’s far more common in a single leg. The condition affects the sciatic nerve, which travels from the lumbar region (bottom of your spine) into your pelvis, where it divides. One branch of the divided nerve then goes down each leg.

In addition to lower back, hip, buttock, and/or leg pain, sciatica can cause the following symptoms:

• Tingling sensations
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Problems controlling leg movements
• Pain that worsens when you sit down

Pain severity varies, but sciatica can be excruciating. Symptoms may occur occasionally or continually. They sometimes reach your feet, where the sciatic nerve ends.

Why do I have sciatica?

Sciatica results from nerve compression, damage, or irritation affecting the sciatic nerve. Common causes of sciatic nerve pressure include the following:

• Muscle spasms in the back or buttocks
• Arthritis
• Bone spurs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated or bulging spinal discs 
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Spondylolisthesis (vertebrae slipping over other vertebrae)
• Pregnancy (due to the baby’s weight)

Sciatica is more likely to develop if your body weight is unhealthily high and/or you don’t get enough exercise. Other risk factors include sleeping on an old or unsupportive mattress and wearing high-heeled shoes.

What treatments are available for sciatica?

Conventional sciatica treatment combines medication with physical therapy. Corticosteroid injections into the spine’s epidural space might be necessary for persistent or severe sciatica. However, the Repair Recover Restore team offers chiropractic care that yields faster results and reduces the need for medication and epidural injections.

Chiropractic adjustments realign your spine, relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve. Your provider might use hands-on, instrument-assisted chiropractic techniques to correct the issues responsible for sciatica.

Patients might also benefit from one or more of the following additional treatments:

• Physical therapy
• Home exercise program
• Massage therapy
• Activity modification
• Supportive footwear
• Acupuncture

Losing weight can also be important for some patients.

Call Repair Recover Restore to arrange a sciatica evaluation or book an appointment online today.