The Center for Chiropractic & Decompression NYC

What is Sciatica and Can it be Treated?

A common ailment that many people experience is sciatica. This is the medical term for numbness, weakness, or pain found in the leg. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a medical problem itself, but rather the result of a different medical problem the individual may be experiencing. Sciatica is caused when there has been too much pressure applied on the sciatic nerve or when the nerve has become injured.

It is sometimes said that the symptom is a tingling feeling in the leg. For other people, it can be a burning sensation that is also experienced in the leg. Other times, the pain may be so severe that the individual cannot even move. It usually only happens to one side of the body, on one leg, but there have been different cases where both legs are affected. The pain can also be felt in the back of the leg or on the hip. There have been cases where individuals have even felt the pain in their foot.

How To Determine The Cause of Sciatica

Your doctor can figure out if you have sciatica from several different types of tests. This can involve MRIs, blood tests, or x-rays. This can also involve tests that reflect on your range of motion. For example, someone that is suffering from the ailment may have problems bending their feet down or may reflect weak reflexes. There can also be weakness in the legs and lower extremities in more severe cases.

If the condition is treated before the nerve damage has the chance to worsen, there is a good change that the individual can recover completely. Other times, full recovery might not be possible and may leave the individual with a loss of motion or sensory disruption. Pain can also become more consistent and prolonged. For this reason, it is important to get the problem diagnosed fairly soon.

What Type of Treatments Are Available for Sciatica?

The types of treatments that are offered depend on the amount of damage that has happened to the sciatic nerve itself and what may be causing that damage. In the best scenarios, this does not require surgery and the individuals recover fairly well. In situations where the problem has been caused due to pressure on the nerve, as a result of bulged or herniated disc more aggressive treatments may be called for. In most cases non-surgical rehabilitation is effective at providing long standing relief.

when conventional treatment such as chiropractic, physical therapy or even medications don’t work spinal decompression therapy has proven effective at relieving symptoms and avoiding surgical intervention. In combination with other types of therapy, it can help the individual to regain their motion and proper function again. The doctor might also suggest different methods for the individual to work in consideration of their condition, or changes at their job if they tend to sit or stand a lot.

The terms for prevention can vary depending on how severe the nerve damage is. What may work as a preventative measure for one individual may not work as well for another individual based on the differences in their condition. Prevention measures are best discussed with your doctor, who can explain the best solutions and treatments for you and your particular case.

In order to receive the best results in the recovery of the individual from sciatica and its pain, an examination should happen as promptly as possible. Even if the individual only suspects the possibility, it should be considered and treated seriously. If pain continues without proper care, nerve damage can increase and make it more difficult for the individual to recover correctly.

Sciatica Treatment Options Overview;

• Spinal Decompression Therapy
• Super-Pulsed Laser Therapy
• Active Therapeutic Movements
• Graston Soft Tissue Mobilization