Sciatica is the term for pain in the lower extremities. It begins when pressure is exerted on the spine’s sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back down through the hips, buttocks, legs and feet. This makes it the longest nerve in the body.
Causes of pressure on the the sciatic nerve include bone spurs and spinal stenosis or a narrowing of the spaces between the spine. Another cause is a herniated disc which occurs when some of the soft, flexible and flat discs that cushion the nerves of the spine fail as people age or because of an injury to the muscles and ligaments of the lumbar region of the spine. A disc that’s herniated may cause its soft inner part to push on the tougher outer shell.
Who Might Get Sciatica
Patient markers that make people susceptible to sciatica include being overweight, between the ages of 30 and 50 years, pregnant or diabetic. People who do heavy lifting are at increased risk for sciatica. Dr. Lee L. Petrucci at the LaGrange Chiropractic of Oldham County may be able to provide Chiropractic Care that will alleviate pain without surgery or prescription drugs.
Some people may experience sciatica for no more than six weeks. It’s important that sufferers continue with their regular activities because any improvement requires that they keep moving. Others who have pain for a longer period or have typical symptoms such as incontinence or weakness or numbness in the lower extremities should see a doctor promptly.
Chiropractic Therapies for Sciatica
Treatments in Chiropractic Care offered at the LaGrange center that serves Crestwood, Oldham County, Buckner, Bedford, Campbellsburg, Carrollton and LaGrange, include spinal manipulation or adjustment, ultrasound, trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and ice therapy. The aim of chiropractic treatments is to get the spine back in alignment in order to improve the mobility of the patient and to decrease pain.
Depending on Dr. Petrucci’s assessment, more than one adjustment may be necessary. Once the pressure on the sciatic nerve is relieved, exercises to strengthen muscles in the back in order to minimize the reoccurrence of pain may be recommended.
Other Services
Founded in LaGrange in 1996, the center accepts most insurances. It also offers other services that may make accident victims, people with scar tissue that hampers movement, sufferers with carpal tunnel syndrome and others more comfortable. Contact LaGrange Chiropractic today for a consultation. Dr. Petrucci will evaluate patients to determine the cause of their pain or immobility and then he will outline a course of treatment.