Sciatica can make everyday activities such as sitting, standing, walking, working, or sleeping uncomfortable. At Spine Align Chiropractic & Wellness in Huntsville, AL, we evaluate each patient individually to help determine what may be contributing to their symptoms and develop a treatment plan focused on reducing discomfort, improving mobility, and restoring function.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica describes symptoms associated with irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or the nerve roots that form it. Symptoms commonly begin in the lower back or buttock and may travel into the hip, thigh, lower leg, or foot.
Symptoms may include:
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Low back or buttock pain
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Pain traveling into the leg
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Numbness or tingling
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Burning or electric-like sensations
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Leg or foot weakness
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Difficulty sitting, standing, or walking comfortably
Because several conditions can produce similar symptoms, determining the likely source of the problem is an important part of developing an appropriate treatment plan.
Our Approach to Sciatica Treatment
At Spine Align Chiropractic & Wellness, treatment is based on your examination findings, symptoms, and functional limitations rather than using the same treatment for every patient.
Depending on your individual needs, care may include:
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments may be used when appropriate to address joint restrictions and improve spinal and pelvic mobility.
Mechanical Traction
Traction may be incorporated for appropriate patients to gently stretch the spine and reduce pressure on irritated spinal structures.
Therapeutic Exercise
Individualized exercises may be prescribed to improve mobility, strength, stability, and movement patterns and help patients return to normal daily activities.
Physiotherapy
Supportive therapies such as electrical muscle stimulation and therapeutic ultrasound may be incorporated when appropriate to address muscle tension, discomfort, and soft-tissue involvement.
Shockwave Therapy
When muscular or other soft-tissue problems are contributing to a patient's symptoms, shockwave therapy may be incorporated as part of the treatment plan when clinically appropriate.
Treatment Focused on More Than Pain
Our goal isn't simply to focus on a pain score. We also consider how your symptoms affect your ability to move and function.
Treatment may focus on helping you:
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Sit and stand more comfortably
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Walk with less difficulty
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Improve spinal and hip mobility
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Return to work and daily activities
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Improve strength and stability
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Resume exercise and recreational activities
When Should Sciatica Be Evaluated?
If you have persistent pain traveling from your lower back or buttock into your leg, numbness or tingling, recurring symptoms, or difficulty performing normal activities, an evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to the problem and whether conservative care is appropriate.
Some symptoms require prompt medical evaluation. New bowel or bladder dysfunction, numbness in the saddle/groin area, significant or progressive weakness, major trauma, fever with severe back pain, or other concerning symptoms should be medically evaluated promptly.
Sciatica Care in Huntsville, Alabama
Spine Align Chiropractic & Wellness provides personalized chiropractic and conservative musculoskeletal care in Huntsville, AL. We take the time to evaluate your symptoms, movement, and function and develop an individualized treatment approach based on your needs.
Spine Align Chiropractic & Wellness
7914 Memorial Parkway SW, Suite E-18
Huntsville, AL 35802
Ready to get started? Schedule your new patient visit today.