Struggling With Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is the largest and widest nerve in the human body. It extends from the lower back region, through the buttocks, down the back of both legs and to the feet. When this large nerve is irritated or compressed, it can cause radiating pain, numbness and weakness. One may feel pain in back, legs, arms, hip or feet. Patients often describe their sciatica symptoms as electrical shocks running down the leg.

There are a variety of causes for sciatica. A disc herniation can cause sciatica. When a disc herniates, it’s soft inner get leaks out through the outer core and irritates the sciatic nerve. Even a slipped disc or bulging disc can irritate the sciatic nerve. Degenerative disc disease is a common culprit of sciatica. The weakened disc exposes the proteins in the disc and irritates the nerve root. Isthmic spondylolisthesis is a condition where a stress fracture slips forward on another disc. This shift can pinch the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica. Lumbar spinal stenosis causes enlarged facet joints and a bulging disc which places pressure on the sciatic nerve roots. With sacroiliac joint dysfunction, there can be irritation on the L5 nerve and cause sciatica-type pain. Even pregnancy can cause sciatica.

My Family Chiro: Your St George Chiropractor

My Family Chiro is your St George chiropractor who offers a multi-faceted treatment for sciatica. Dr. Tom Johnson performs in-house digital diagnostic X-rays to identify the underlying cause of your sciatica pain. In addition, he completes a thorough neurologic and orthopedic exam in his diagnosis. Once the root cause of your sciatica is identified, he creates a personalized treatment plan that targets the root cause. Patient treatment plans may include spinal adjustments, spinal decompression therapy, physiotherapy, therapeutic massage, cold laser therapy or exercise rehabilitation. With a whole person and multi-faceted approach, each treatment modality is designed to work synergistically for optimal results.

Using gentle spinal manipulations, Dr. Tom Johnson realigns the spinal components into proper position to eliminate pressure on the sciatic nerve. Spinal decompression therapy takes place on a traction table and gently stretches the spine to increase space between the spinal discs. This therapy also helps reduce sciatic nerve compression. Physiotherapy may include cold laser treatments. With cold laser treatments, concentrated light energy penetrates deeply to help heal, reduce inflammation and accelerate healing of the affected area. Therapeutic massages relax the muscles, reduce muscle spasms and increases oxygenation for faster healing. And with specific exercises, patients build muscle strength, increase mobility and prevent further injury.

If you’re in pain due to sciatica, turn to My Family Chiro in St George for an effective treatment plan that is targeted to your needs. Give us a call to schedule an appointment and get on the road to wellness.