Sciatica Pain Relief from Your Los Altos Chiropractor
One of the most misunderstood disorders to interfere with normal activities is sciatica. It's disabling pain can be radiating or chronic. Fortunately, treatment from our Los Altos chiropractor provides patients at our Reimer Wellness Center with effective sciatica pain relief while they avoid surgery or medication.
Sciatica Causes and Symptoms
Many people mistakenly believe that sciatica is an illness. It is in fact merely a signal of a health problem that affects the lower portion of the back and the sciatic nerve. One of the longest nerves in the human body, the sciatic nerve passes from the lower back through the buttocks and then down each leg.
Sciatica develops when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed. The most common reason for this is a herniated or slipped disc. Around 2 percent of U.S. residents develop at least one herniated disk during their lifetimes. Among these individuals, as many as 25 percent experience discomfort lasting longer than six weeks.
Although many people believe that sciatica occurs only after trauma, there are actually a number of potential causes:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Arthritis
- Wear and tear related to age
- Repetitive motion injury
- Vehicular accidents
- Sports injuries
Even a minor degree of lumbar spinal misalignment can cause health issues in parts of the body other than the back. The most common pain symptoms our doctor of chiropractic notes include:
- A throbbing sensation
- Numbness
- Pain that burns or radiates from the back all the way down the legs â front, back, or sides
Treatment Options for Sciatica Pain Relief
Thanks to chiropractorsâ detailed knowledge of body structure and function, these healthcare professionals understand the need to create comprehensive and individualized treatment plans to achieve sciatica pain relief. Chiropractic relieves the symptoms of this condition by focusing on its cause, misalignment of the spine.
Our chiropractor makes a diagnosis of sciatica after a physical exam, a medical history, and the use of X-rays to pinpoint any spinal misalignment. In most cases, customized therapy includes a combination of adjustments with these complementary treatments:
- Massage therapy
- Manual medicine
- Physiotherapy exercises
- Lifestyle changes to achieve maximum wellness
The basis of all treatment plans is the fact that so long as the spine remains misaligned, there will be pressure on the sciatic nerve. This pressure will continue to cause a sensation of radiating pain along the length of the nerve. Our doctor takes a proactive approach in helping patients return to their normal activities by using completely natural therapies to correct misalignments.
Schedule a Consultation with Our Los Altos Chiropractor
Donât let the pain of sciatica sidetrack your active life. Our Los Altos chiropractor, Dr. Mary Reimer, has provided natural and holistic healing to area patients for more than 28 years. Patients love the home-like atmosphere of our Reimer Wellness Center. Call us today at (650) 949-3232 to schedule a consultation, start on your path to a life without pain, and reap the benefits of comprehensive services that foster body health.