Sciatica is actually a symptom of an underlying condition. It’s a pinched nerve that generally results in a bad leg cramp or a sharp shooting pain. This condition can occur suddenly or slowly develop over time. Sciatica also has accompanying characteristics, such as a numbing or burning sensation down the legs. There are a number of conditions that can cause sciatica. With spinal stenosis, there is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which puts increased pressure on the nerves. A slipped disc also puts pressure on the nerve root. Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle spasms and irritates the sciatic nerve. With spondylolisthesis, a vertebrae slips out of line and compresses the nerve. Sciatica can be diagnosed through a physical exam and other diagnostic testing, such as an X-ray, MRI, electromyography and myelogram.
Bankers Hall Chiropractic in Downtown Calgary: Chiropractor Care for Sciatica
The team of chiropractors at Bankers Hall Chiropractic in Downtown Calgary has a holistic and multi-faceted approach to healing. Each chiropractor creates a multi-faceted treatment plan using different therapeutic treatment modalities to treat sciatica. Each treatment modality works synergistically to maximize patient results. Treatment modalities include the Diversified adjustment, active release massage therapy and shockwave therapy.
The Diversified chiropractic adjustment is a traditional one that properly aligns the spine, restores movement and reduces sciatica pain. It’s a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust that reduces nerve pressure caused by subluxation and nerve malfunction. Plus, it readjusts the joints.
Active release massage therapy is a manual movement therapy where the hands evaluate muscle tightness, nerves and connective tissue. Specific movements are used to lengthen the tissue, improve range of motion and reduce sciatica pain.
Shockwave therapy is proven to increase blood flow and oxygen to enhance the body’s natural healing process, decrease recovery time, increase range of motion and reduce pain. With this treatment, a shockwave wand is placed over the affected area and transmits acoustic waves that penetrate the skin and reach the injured area.
What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica?
The main symptom of sciatica is chronic pain in the lower back, which can also be felt down one or both legs. Sciatica pain can worsen in certain positions, such as sitting, or when you cough or sneeze. The affected areas might also feel tingly, weak, or numb. These symptoms can appear out of nowhere, and can last for days or weeks.
What Causes Sciatica?
There are many causes of sciatica. These causes include:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal tumors
- Spinal stenosis
- Piriformis syndrome
- Sacroiliitis
- Infections or injuries
A herniated disc is the most common reason why patients develop sciatica. Spinal tumors can push on the sciatic nerve as they grow. Spinal stenosis is a condition where a person’s spinal canal narrows. Sacroiliitis is when one or both sacroiliac joints become inflamed.
How a Chiropractor Can Reduce Sciatic Nerve Pain
A chiropractor can reduce a person’s sciatic nerve pain with chiropractic adjustments. Manually realigning the neck and spine can take pressure off of muscles, nerves, and other soft tissue, relieving these areas of pain.
Here at Bankers Hall Chiropractic, we may also use the Activator Method, which makes use of a hand-held instrument to assist with chiropractic adjustments. The Activator is a precision tool capable of assisting a trained chiropractor to make more accurate adjustments than those done by hand alone.
Please contact us if you have any questions on how we reduce sciatic nerve pain. We are here to help end your chronic pain for good.
Sciatica FAQ’s
I have Just Been Diagnosed with Sciatica. What Is It?
A diagnosis of sciatica refers to a general compression, irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve. It does not describe what is causing your sciatic nerve pain. Our chiropractors can examine you and determine the exact cause of your sciatic nerve pain, which could be a herniated disc, overly tight muscles in the buttocks, a narrowing of the pathways surrounding your sciatic nerve, bone spurs or misalignments in your lower back.
How Do I Know if My Symptoms Are Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Sciatic nerve pain causes a radiating pain that extends from the lower buttocks into one or both legs. It typically gets worse with prolonged sitting. Some individuals may even have muscle weakness and difficulty walking. Our chiropractors can help determine if your lower back pain is a symptom of sciatic nerve pain or another back injury.
What Treatments Does Your Chiropractor in Calgary Offer for Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Our chiropractor offers non-invasive, medication-free treatment options for sciatic nerve pain. Treatments usually start with chiropractic adjustments, which can be performed manually or with a hand-held instrument called an Activator. Both adjustment techniques will help correct misalignments and structural problems with your spine, which could be compressing, pinching or irritating your sciatic nerve. The manual technique uses our chiropractor’s hands and forearms to fascinate the adjustment with a smooth, swift thrust.
An activator performs the adjustment automatically. During this type of adjustment, one of our chiropractors will place the adjusting instrument against the area to be adjusted and activate it. A two-pronged, spring loaded, rubber tipped arm will start to move, providing the needed force to realign the vertebra.
How Soon After Treatment Should I Expect to Feel Better?
It usually takes several treatments before individuals notice a dramatic improvement in the way they feel on a daily basis. We will explain your treatment options and the length of time estimated before your back injury starts to noticeably heal.
Is There Anything I Can Do at Home to Help Alleviate My Back Pain?
Our chiropractors can recommend certain lifestyle changes and at-home treatment options to help alleviate your lower back pain with it flares. Potential recommendations include resting and applying hot or cold packs.
How do I Schedule an Appointment at Bankers Hall Chiropractic in Downtown Calgary?
To schedule an appointment at Bankers Hall Chiropractic in Downtown Calgary, call us at (403) 243-0111. We are located at 135-315 8 Avenue Southwest. We are open from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Friday.
