Sciatica Specialist
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Stamford Spine
Chiropractic & Massage Therapists located in Downtown, Stamford, CT
As many as 40% of people in the United States develop sciatica at some point during their life. While often grouped with lower back pain, sciatica is a different type of pain that involves the sciatic nerve. Brian Murphy, DC, MS, and the chiropractic specialists at Stamford Spine in Stamford, Connecticut, offer noninvasive treatments for sciatica to relieve your pain and improve function and health. Call the office or request an appointment online today.
Sciatica Q & A
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a painful condition that occurs due to the irritation or pinching of your sciatic nerve. Your sciatic nerve is a thick nerve that runs from your lumbar spine, down through your buttocks and hips, and into your legs on both sides of your body. This nerve controls motor function and sensation.
Herniated discs and bone spurs are the most common causes of sciatica. You are at risk of developing this painful condition if you have a job that requires constant twisting of your back, you lead a sedentary lifestyle, or you’re obese.
Due to the spine degeneration that occurs as you get older, the risk of sciatica tends to increase with age. People with diabetes are also at greater risk of developing this common pain condition.
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
Sciatica symptoms vary and usually only affect one side of your body. Common sciatica symptoms include:
- Mild ache
- Sharp, shooting pain
- Burning sensation
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness in the affected leg
Many people with sciatica also describe an electric shock-like sensation that shoots down their leg.
Symptoms can occur anywhere along the path of the nerve, but they usually radiate down from the lower back to the buttocks and into the leg.
Sciatica often resolves on its own with rest and home care. If your sciatica pain doesn’t improve or the discomfort is severe, the providers at Stamford Spine can develop a plan to alleviate your pain.
What are the treatments for sciatica?
Stamford Spine takes a conservative approach to care. They may incorporate numerous treatment modalities to relieve your sciatica and prevent a recurrence of this painful condition. To alleviate the pinching on your nerve, the providers may recommend manual manipulation or flexion distraction, which gently stretches your lumbar spine to alleviate pressure on the nerve.
To improve posture, strength, and lifting technique, the providers may refer you to physical therapy. If you’re overweight or obese, they may suggest nutrition services to design a nutrition plan to support a healthier weight.
Sciatica is a common pain condition that’s effectively treated with chiropractic care. For an evaluation and treatment plan, call Stamford Spine or use the online booking feature to schedule an appointment today.
