Sciatica

When you have pain that moves down your leg from your lower back, it might be sciatica. This back pain occurs when your sciatic nerve becomes inflamed. This inflammation can lead to pain, tingling, and other symptoms, which can make it uncomfortable to stand, sit, lie down, or do your regular activities. At Estner Injury Centers, we offer sciatica services in Rhode Island to help ease symptoms.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica can occur when you have a herniated disk, bone spurs, or another spinal problem that puts pressure on or pinches your sciatic nerve. This is a long nerve that runs from your lower back down your leg. The resulting inflammation can cause symptoms to flare up. Your risk of having this type of back pain is higher if you are overweight, sit for long periods of time, or have a condition that can affect your nerves, such as diabetes. Other risk factors for sciatica include having a job that involves heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, or bending and twisting your back. Your risk of this back pain also increases as you get older and experience changes in your spine.

What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica?

Sciatica can cause the following symptoms:

• Pain that occurs along the sciatic nerve path, which can include your lower back, hip, buttocks, thigh, and calf
• Pain that ranges from a dull ache to a burning sensation or sudden jolt
• Pain that typically occurs on one side of your body rather than both
• Pain that can become worse after sitting for awhile or when you sneeze or cough
• Tingling or numbness in your leg on the affected side

What Kinds of Sciatica Treatment Options Are There?

Treatments for sciatica may include medication, physical therapy, or steroid injections. In severe cases, surgery might be discussed as a treatment option. Chiropractic treatment, such as spinal manipulation or adjustments, can provide relief from sciatic pain.

How Can a Chiropractor Treat Sciatica?

Our chiropractic physicians at Estner Injury Centers can perform spinal adjustments that help ease pressure on your sciatic nerve. Spinal adjustments help restore function to your spine and relieve subluxation, which occurs when a spinal disc or vertebra is out of place. This takes pressure off the sciatic nerve, easing inflammation, pain, and other symptoms.

When Should I Seek Treatment?

Some cases of sciatica clear up on their own. However, sciatica can lead to nerve damage, which can cause weakness in the leg and other complications. This type of back pain can also make it difficult to perform routine tasks or enjoy your usual activities. If you have sciatica symptoms that aren’t getting better, you should seek treatment.

Is Chiropractic Treatment Right for Me?

Spinal adjustments can help ease symptoms of sciatica, but is this the right treatment option for you? When you come in for a consultation at Estner Injury Centers, our chiropractic physicians will fully evaluate your condition and consider other factors, such as underlying conditions and medical history, in order to determine the best course of treatment. Keep in mind that chiropractic treatment, such as spinal adjustments, is considered safe for many patients.

If you need sciatica treatment in Rhode Island, please contact Estner Injury Centers for an appointment. Our chiropractic physicians can evaluate your condition and provide effective treatment. Our locations include Cranston, Providence, and Pawtucket.