Sciatica Treated in Howell, MI
Pain that shoots from your lower back down your leg can make sitting, standing and sleeping difficult. At Family Chiropractic in Howell, MI , Dr. Adam Fasick finds the source of sciatic nerve irritation and uses gentle, drug-free care to help relieve it.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down one or both legs along the path of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body. The pain may feel dull and achy, sharp, like “pins and needles” or like an electric shock. Other symptoms include burning, numbness and tingling. Sciatic pain can range from mild to severe and from occasional to constant. It usually comes on gradually and isn’t always linked to a specific injury.
Sciatica is also known as radiating or referred pain, neuropathy or neuralgia.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is a symptom of irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or the nerve roots that form it. Common causes include:
- Herniated or bulging discs in the lower back
- Degenerative disc disease
- Misalignment of the spine or pelvis
- Tight muscles in the buttock, such as piriformis syndrome
- Pregnancy and changes in posture (prenatal care)
- Injuries from accidents or work
How Chiropractic Care Relieves Sciatica
Dr. Adam Fasick begins by finding the source of the nerve irritation through a thorough exam and in-office digital X-rays when needed. Gentle adjustments with the Sigma Instrument or Activator Method realign the spine and pelvis to take pressure off the nerve.
For sciatica related to a disc problem, non-surgical DRX9000® spinal decompression may be an option for appropriate patients. Your plan may also include massage therapy to release tight muscles, cold laser therapy to calm inflammation and corrective exercises to support your lower back.
When to Seek Immediate Care
Seek emergency medical care if you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin area or rapidly worsening leg weakness. Otherwise, if leg pain lasts more than a few days or keeps coming back, schedule an evaluation so it doesn’t become a chronic problem. Learn more about back pain treatment.
Sciatica FAQs
What does sciatica feel like?
Sciatica can feel dull, achy, sharp, burning or like an electric shock, often with numbness or tingling that runs from the lower back down the leg.
Can a chiropractor help sciatica?
Yes. Chiropractic care can relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve by improving spinal and pelvic alignment.
Is spinal decompression good for sciatica?
DRX9000® spinal decompression may help some patients with sciatica caused by an underlying disc condition. An evaluation determines whether it’s right for you.
Can sciatica go away on its own?
Mild sciatica sometimes improves on its own, but addressing the cause helps prevent it from returning or becoming chronic.
Is sciatica common during pregnancy?
Yes. Changes in posture and pelvic alignment during pregnancy can irritate the sciatic nerve. Gentle prenatal care can help.
When is sciatica an emergency?
Seek emergency care for loss of bladder or bowel control, groin numbness or rapidly worsening leg weakness.
What can I do at home for sciatica?
Stay gently active, avoid sitting for long periods and follow the stretches and exercises Dr. Adam recommends.
Get Relief From Sciatic Nerve Pain
Don’t let sciatica slow you down. Call Family Chiropractic at (517) 376-6836 or request an appointment in Howell, MI .