Sciatica can cause lower back pain that is debilitating and radiates to your buttocks and legs. At Apple Wellness Chiropractic Center in Winchester, VA, we provide various treatments to reduce your discomfort and improve your overall health. Before visiting us, take a look at some frequently asked questions regarding sciatica below:
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica occurs when your sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated and can be caused by a variety of causes. Some of these causes include:
- Herniated disc
- Bone spur
- Spinal misalignment
- Poor posture
- Repetitive motions
- Obesity
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
If you have sciatica, you may often experience lower back pain that travels to your buttocks and legs. In addition to pain, you might feel numbness in your back, hips, or legs or a tingling sensation in your lower extremities. Not only that, but sciatica can also cause weakness and a reduced range of motion in your hip or spine.
What are some risk factors for sciatica?
Certain risk factors can increase the chances of developing sciatica. Some of these risk factors include the following:
Age – Certain age-related conditions can impact your spinal health and lead to sciatica
Smoking – Since nicotine impairs your blood flow, it can prevent you from healing
Obesity – Excess weight puts undue pressure on your spine
Pregnancy – Excess weight gain and the loosening of the pelvic joints can put pressure on your spine
How does chiropractic care treat sciatica?
At our practice, we use natural and non-invasive therapies and techniques to help treat pain due to sciatica. For example, chiropractic adjustments help realign your spinal system and spinal flexion/distraction type of decompression helps reposition damaged discs so that they no longer press on your sciatic nerve. When pressure is taken off of the sciatic nerve, you should experience pain relief. In addition, regular adjustments contribute to spinal health and proper alignment, which allows your body to recuperate and heal.
Contact us for an Appointment Today
If you are experiencing any symptoms of sciatica, our team at Apple Wellness Chiropractic Center in Winchester, VA, is happy to help. After an evaluation, we can create an individualized treatment plan that will help ease your symptoms so you can return to your normal routine. To schedule your initial consultation, contact us at (540) 545-7891 today. When you’re seeking a chiropractor in the Winchester VA or surrounding areas, call my office, we look forward to assisting you!