
Many individuals with low back pain experience sciatica that extends down the legs. At Atkinson Chiropractic in Turlock, California, family chiropractor David Atkinson, DC, can diagnose and treat the underlying causes of sciatica to relieve pain and improve mobility. Call the clinic or schedule an appointment online to learn more about sciatica.
request an appointmentWhat is sciatica?
The sciatic nerve stretches from the low back through the hips, buttocks, and down the back of each leg. As the longest nerve in the body, any area of the sciatic nerve can become irritated and cause a painful condition called sciatica.
The sciatic nerve is mixed, meaning it has movement and sensation fibers. As a result, sciatica can cause pain, limit mobility, and even affect your ability to stand.
What are the signs of sciatica?
Sciatica pain affects everyone differently. While some individuals experience a constant dull ache, others feel shooting pain that radiates from the lower back through the hip, buttocks, and thigh. Sciatica is usually one-sided, but it can cause pain in both legs.
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica is usually a symptom of an underlying condition, such as:
Herniated disc
The discs in your spine cushion and provide flexibility for each vertebra. Each disc includes a hard outer shell and a softer center. When cracks in the disc form in the lower back, the center can push through and irritate the sciatic nerve.
Piriformis syndrome
The piriformis muscle is a gluteal muscle in your buttocks that the sciatic nerve runs through. When this muscle is tight, it can compress the nerve.
Lumbar spinal stenosis
The lumbar spine is the lower back, where the sciatic nerve branches out toward the buttocks. Spinal stenosis occurs when the spine narrows, which can put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Many factors can increase your risk of sciatica, including:
- Excess weight
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Lack of abdominal strength
- Diabetes
- Osteoarthritis
- Physical careers
- Office jobs
- Tobacco use
- Previous injuries
- Poor posture
Your provider at Atkinson Chiropractic can perform a head-to-toe physical evaluation to determine your risk for sciatica.
How can chiropractic care treat sciatica?
The providers at Atkinson Chiropractic use multiple manipulative techniques to treat sciatica. Your personalized treatment depends on your specific symptoms and areas of pain. The chiropractors at the clinic offer specialty training and decades of experience in addressing leg pain from sciatica.
After a comprehensive evaluation, your provider may recommend:
- Palmer Diversified Technique
- Thompson Drop Technique
- Activator Technique
- Cox Flexion Distraction
- Heat and ice therapy
- Massage therapy
- Activity modification
Call Atkinson Chiropractic or schedule an appointment online to learn more about sciatica.