Sciatic Pain Treatment in Nashville
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body.
Symptoms of Sciatica
- Pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg is the hallmark of sciatica. You may feel the discomfort almost anywhere along the nerve pathway, but it's especially likely to follow a path from your low back to your buttock and the back of your thigh and calf.
- The pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort.
- Sometimes it may feel like a jolt or electric shock. It may be worse when you cough or sneeze, and prolonged sitting can aggravate symptoms. Usually only one side of your body is affected.
- Sciatica can occur suddenly or it can develop gradually.
- You might also feel weakness, numbness, or a burning or tingling ("pins and needles") sensation down your leg, possibly even in your toes.
- Less common symptoms might include the inability to bend your knee or move your foot and toes.
WHAT CAUSES SCIATICA?
Sciatica might be a symptom of a "pinched nerve" affecting one or more of the lower spinal nerves. The nerve might be pinched inside or outside of the spinal canal as it passes into the leg.
Conditions that cause sciatica:
- A herniated or slipped disc that causes pressure on a nerve root — This is the most common cause of sciatica.
- Piriformis syndrome — This develops when the piriformis muscle, a small muscle that lies deep in the buttocks, becomes tight or spasms, which can put pressure on and irritate the sciatic nerve.
- Spinal stenosis — This condition results from narrowing of the spinal canal with pressure on the nerves.
- Spondylolisthesis — This is a slippage of one vertebra so that it is out of line with the one above it, narrowing the opening through which the nerve exits
HOW IS SCIATICA TREATED?
The goal of treatment is to decrease pain and increase mobility. Treatment for sciatic pain at Art of Health Chiropractic consists of reducing pain and inflammation and increasing the function of restricted joints.
Class IV Deep Tissue Laser Therapy - Laser treatment quickly decreases inflammation and pain, while also increasing the body's own healing response. During the laser treatment, you will feel a warm sensation that is soothing and relaxing. Most patients feel symptomatic relief after just a few visits.
Chiropractic Adjustments - Once your inflammation is decreased, the doctors will work with you to ensure that the joints in the low back return to proper function. There are several techniques the doctors can choose from to ensure patient comfort and a quick recovery.
Therapeutic Exercises - As your body begins to heal, it will be important to strengthen areas of your body that helped to cause your injuries in the first place. Your doctor will review specific exercises for your body and condition to help prevent exacerbations in the future.
Dr. Callie Gant and Dr. Michael Buczynski founded Art of Health Chiropractic with the goal of creating a happier, healthier Nashville. Feel free to call the office at 615-953-7544 with any questions or to schedule your first appointment.
