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Sciatica is a condition often treated chiropractors. Sciatica is characterized by pain that starts in the low back or buttock that travels into the back side of one or both thighs and/or legs. Sciatic nerve pain can vary in intensity and frequency.
Pain is often described as sharp, dull, achy, pins and needles or similar to electric zaps. Sciatica is really a symptom of a something underlying. It is usually caused by nerve compression in the low back. Disc bulging (slipped disc), disc degeneration and certain forms of spinal arthritis are common causes. Piriformis syndrome is another cause of sciatic pain. The sciatic nerve runs beneath the piriformis muscle, which is susceptible to injury and can compress the nerve.
Since there are many conditions that cause sciatica, the chiropractor’s first step is to determine where the nerve compression originates. Finding the cause involves a thorough review the patient’s medical history, and a physical and neurological examination.
Diagnostic testing can include x-rays, MRI, CT scan and/or electrodiagnostic tests (i.e. nerve conduction velocity testing). These examinations and tests help to detect if chiropractic care is suitable for the person in pain or if a referral is necessary.
The purpose of chiropractic treatment is to remove or reduce the compression on the nerve causing the sciatica symptoms. Improving restricted spinal movement usually leads to reduced pain and improved function and performance. Chiropractic care is non-invasive (non-surgical) and drug-free.
At Rosanna Chiropractic Health Centre we also utilise a Flexion Distraction technique table to treat disc related nerve compression. This form of spinal decompression may help to further reduce the sciatica symptoms. It is usually considered a comfortable and effective way to reduce pressure in the low back.
There are many causes of Sciatica, some of which are beyond the scope of chiropractic practice. If the chiropractor determines the patient’s disorder requires treatment by another type of doctor, then the patient is referred accordingly. Many patients are co-managed with chiropractic care and with a medical specialist.
The number one priority is to start investigating the cause of your sciatic symptoms. To do so, please call Rosanna Chiropractic Health Centre and schedule an appointment today on 9457 5585.
For all enquires, please fill out the form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We’ll be happy to answer all of your questions and do what we can to help.