Sciatica Treatment with Chiropractic
Lower back pain plagues many adults. As if that isn’t unpleasant enough, this lower back pain can sometimes be accompanied by sciatica, or pain radiating down the backs of the legs. This chronic pain can be excruciating and contribute to loss of physical functionality.
Fortunately, with the help of chiropractic treatment at O’Keefe Chiropractic Center, this condition can be remedied with little to no drugs or pain relievers.
Sciatica Explained
Sciatica is defined as pain that travels down the sciatic nerve. This nerve, present on both sides of the body, stretches from the lumbar (a.k.a lower) spine all the way down the backs of the legs. The intensity can range from minor, dull aches to sharp, searing bursts of pain. Sciatica can also cause numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected areas.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when the area surrounding the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed. This inflammation is caused by three main conditions:
- Herniated discs: A spinal vertebra has two parts. It is composed of the disc nucleus, the soft center, and the annulus, which acts as a protective layer. When excessive applied pressure is applied to the disc, the nucleus can be pushed through a gap in the annulus. This condition is referred to as a herniated disc. The part of the nucleus that has escaped the annulus can press down on the surrounding nerves, causing pain.
- Spinal stenosis: This condition occurs when the space between spinal discs narrows, meaning that there is less space for the nerves. Similarly to herniated discs, spinal stenosis causes more pressure to be applied to the nerves.
- Spinal bone spurs: Often caused by osteoarthritis, these small protrusions can form on the edges of bones. These spurs decrease the amount of space between your discs, causing more force to be exerted on the nerves.
How Chiropractic Can Help
Patients suffering from sciatica often turn to surgical procedures and pain relieving medications. Chiropractic care and spinal decompression procedures require no medication or surgery, and treatment plans are entirely customized to fit your condition.
Both processes involve applying mild pressure to the spinal column, correcting any misalignments present in your spine and helping to reduce disc pressure. With a personalized treatment plan from our experienced team, you’ll begin to feel better in no time.
Schedule Chiropractic Care for Sciatica
Suffering from chronic pain due to sciatica? Let our experienced physicians at O’Keefe Chiropractic Center in Medford, NJ, relieve your pain and get you back on your feet. To schedule an appointment, call (609) 654-4299 or request a consultation here.
Posted In:
Chiropractic
Spinal Decompression
Sciatica Treatment
Herniated Disc Treatment
Pinched Nerves
Spinal Stenosis
Bone Spur