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Sciatica

Chiropractic Care for Sciatica

Sciatica refers to a pain that originates at the lower back and radiates down through the hips, buttocks, and thighs into your lower legs. This pain arises when there is inflammation, irritation, compression, or pinching of the sciatic nerve. The nerve is located in your lower back and runs through your buttocks to the sole of your foot. 

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Sciatica can be painful and debilitating, but chiropractic care can help. At East West Chiropractic in Groton, CT, we provide natural methods to manage sciatica and alleviate your pain.

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica can be caused by several different factors. Here are some of the most common: 

  • Slipped or herniated disk: When a slipped or herniated disk exerts pressure on the sciatic nerve root, you will experience sciatica pain. 
  • Spinal stenosis: Spinal stenosis (alternatively referred to as lumbar spinal stenosis) occurs when your body's lower spinal canal starts narrowing abnormally. The abnormal narrowing adds pressure on both the spinal cord and sciatic nerve roots, triggering sciatica.
  • Spondylolisthesis: When a vertebrae or spine bone protrudes forwards over another, the extended vertebrae or spine bone can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing lower back pain. 
  • Piriformis syndrome: You can experience sciatica pain when your piriformis muscle tightens or contracts involuntarily. 

Sciatica Risk Factors

While almost anyone can experience sciatica pain, you have increased chances of developing sciatica due to the below risk factors.

  • Diabetes: Increases the risks of nerve damage.
  • Smoking: Causes the exterior layer of the spinal disk to wear out.
  • Age: Your body parts break down or wear out as you age.
  • Obesity: Body weight can press the sciatic nerve, triggering pain.
  • Pregnancy: The weight of the baby may compress on the sciatic nerve, causing pain.

Sciatica Symptoms

Sciatic is characterized by a sharp pain originating from the lower back and radiates to the lower leg through the hips, buttocks, and thighs. 

Other symptoms to watch out for include:

  • Tingling sensation in your toes or feet
  • Leg numbness, especially along the sciatic nerve
  • Pain that worsens with movement 

How Can Our Chiropractor Help Manage Sciatica? 

Chiropractic treatment is the best form of sciatica treatment since it's non-invasive and uses no medications. Depending on your condition, our chiropractor might recommend:

  • Chiropractic adjustments: Realigning your spine can help to bring your body into it a state of balance, thus restoring its proper functioning. Alignment goes a long way to freeing restricted movements and reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve. 
  • Spinal decompression: This is pivotal in reducing compressions on the sciatic nerve by lengthening the spine and increasing the spaces between the vertebrae bones. 
  • Corrective exercises: Our chiropractor provides stretching and strengthening exercises to prevent future pain and injuries.

Schedule an Appointment for Sciatica Relief

If you are experiencing lower back pain or sciatica symptoms, we can help. At East West Chiropractic in Groton, CT, we provide natural methods for alleviating pain and restoring your body’s balance. Call us today to schedule an appointment.