Chiropractor for Sciatica
Chiropractor in Birmingham, AL focused on the fast and safe treatment of Sciatica
If you are currently experiencing a medical emergency please call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.
Chiropractors stop Sciatica
Sciatica is nerve pain typically resulting from an injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve - the longest nerve in your body which runs from your lower back through your hips, down your legs and ends in your big toe. The term “sciatica” is most often applied to any pain originating in your lower back that radiates down your leg.
Dr. Chase Horton provides safe, non-invasive, and non-habit-forming options that are highly effective for the treatment and management of sciatica. While we care for numerous sciatica patients in his practice, he will work with you to establish an individualized treatment plan focused on easing your current pain and getting you on a path toward long-term recovery.
Dr. Chase Horton provides safe, non-invasive, and non-habit-forming options that are highly effective for the treatment and management of sciatica. While we care for numerous sciatica patients in his practice, he will work with you to establish an individualized treatment plan focused on easing your current pain and getting you on a path toward long-term recovery.
Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor for Sciatica
After considering the safe and effective nature of chiropractic and the risks associated with drugs and surgery, it makes sense that nearly all patients should complete a course of conservative care before considering more invasive procedures for sciatica pain.
One study showed that most patients benefited from spinal correction to the same degree as if they underwent surgery.
Further research shows the effectiveness of chiropractic care on sciatica, with patients reporting greater relief of pain, fewer pain days during recovery, quicker return to work and fewer drugs needed compared to those going without seeing a chiropractor.
More invasive medical care has its place in some situations; your chiropractor can help advise you on your sciatica situation.
One study showed that most patients benefited from spinal correction to the same degree as if they underwent surgery.
Further research shows the effectiveness of chiropractic care on sciatica, with patients reporting greater relief of pain, fewer pain days during recovery, quicker return to work and fewer drugs needed compared to those going without seeing a chiropractor.
More invasive medical care has its place in some situations; your chiropractor can help advise you on your sciatica situation.
What Causes Sciatica?
There are quite a few causes and medical conditions that may lead to sciatica. The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated or slipped disc causing pressure on a nerve root. According to research, approximately 5% of all people in the United States will experience a slipped disc at some time in their lives. A disc is the "pad" that provides cushioning between each vertebra in your spine. When a disc bulges through a weakness in its outer wall it can press on your sciatic nerve - causing sciatica.
Other common issues and conditions that cause sciatica include degenerative disc disease, piriformis syndrome, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, osteoarthritis, trauma or injury, as well as quite a few others. Determining the underlying medical condition causing your sciatica - and understanding the cause of the problem - is an important step in both treatment and prevention.
Other common issues and conditions that cause sciatica include degenerative disc disease, piriformis syndrome, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, osteoarthritis, trauma or injury, as well as quite a few others. Determining the underlying medical condition causing your sciatica - and understanding the cause of the problem - is an important step in both treatment and prevention.
Common Causes of Sciatica
Disc Herniation
Spinal Misalignments
Piriformis Syndrome
Diabetic Neuropathy
SI Joint Compression
Nutrient Deficiencies
Spinal Stenosis
Degenerative Disc Disease
Spondylolisthesis
Tumors (rare)
Peripheral Nerve Entrapment
Traumatic Injury
Common Causes of Sciatica
Disc Herniation
Spinal Misalignments
Piriformis Syndrome
Diabetic Neuropathy
SI Joint Compression
Nutrient Deficiencies
Spinal Stenosis
Degenerative Disc Disease
Spondylolisthesis
Tumors (rare)
Peripheral Nerve Entrapment
Traumatic Injury
Sciatica Fact:
The sciatic nerve is the single longest and widest nerve in the entire body. It runs from the lower back region, through the buttocks, all the way down to the lower leg and into the foot. It also accounts for the most nerve activity in those regions. This is what, in part, makes sciatica such a difficult and painful experience.
Treatment for Sciatica by Your Chiropractor
An experienced chiropractor will first perform a thorough health history, X-Ray exam and physical examination to determine the source of your sciatic nerve problem. Chiropractors use techniques to help to restore proper alignment to your spine, relieving pressure on your nervous system. Correction of misalignments in your spine combined with corrective exercises to release muscle spasms will provide relief of sciatic pain.
Chiropractor Adjustment
Improve spinal motion and improve your body's physical function.
Home Exercises
Many cases of sciatica are at least partially due to poor posture - We give our patients specific exercises and stretches to correct their posture within weeks.
Dry Needling
Proven treatments to relieve your sciatic nerve pain that release painful knots, decrease inflammation, increase blood flow, and relax the muscle.
E-Stim
Gentle electrical stimulation encourages tight muscles to release, easing your pain and tension.
The Bottom Line About Sciatica
You may find that your pain follows the distribution of the nerve—down the back of the leg, into the calf and perhaps even into your feet and toes. Numbness and tingling, burning sensations, weakness of the leg and shooting pains are all also common to sciatic nerve irritation. Pain may be short at times and disrupt normal daily activities such as sleep, walking and driving.
Sciatica is a symptom, not a cause. Dr. Chase Horton will find the root cause of your sciatic nerve pain and correct it using safe, natural, and fast chiropractor techniques.