If you have sciatica, the condition can prevent you from completing tasks throughout the day. Along with that, it can become chronic and lead to further complications when left untreated. At Back to Health Chiropractic in Worcester, MA, we offer non-invasive treatments to reduce your discomfort and improve your overall health. Here are some frequently asked questions about sciatica:

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that originates from the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. Along with the pain, individuals can experience numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. While sciatica often only affects one side of the body, it can also impact both sides.

What Are Some Causes of Sciatica?

Sciatica can be caused by a variety of factors, such as the following:

• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD): Degenerative disc disease can cause sciatica by reducing the cushioning between the discs, leading to nerve compression or irritation in the lower back.
• Herniated Disc: A herniated disc can cause sciatica by pressing on the sciatic nerve, leading to pain that radiates down the leg.
• Spondylolisthesis: This condition occurs when one of the vertebrae slip out of place, which can directly impact and irritate nerve roots.
• Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis is commonly linked to sciatic nerve. It involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal nerve roots. 

What Are Some Treatment Options for Sciatica?

Treatments for sciatica typically include a combination of methods to alleviate pain and address the underlying cause of the condition. Common treatments include physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility, medications for pain relief and inflammation, and hot or cold packs to reduce discomfort. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections can reduce nerve inflammation, and surgery may be considered if other treatments are not effective.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help?

Chiropractic care helps with sciatica by addressing spinal misalignments that may be compressing the sciatic nerve. Through spinal adjustments, our chiropractor can realign the vertebrae, which reduces nerve pressure and alleviates pain. Additionally, we may recommend exercises and stretches to improve spinal function and support long-term relief.

What Can I Expect During the First Chiropractic Appointment?

During your first chiropractic appointment, you'll discuss your symptoms and medical history with our chiropractor. Then, we will conduct a thorough physical examination, including assessing your spine and posture. Afterward, our chiropractor will then explain their findings and outline a personalized treatment plan.

Contact Us for an Appointment Today!

If you are experiencing any symptoms of sciatica, let our team at Back to Health Chiropractic in Worcester, MA, help. With individualized care, we can ease your symptoms so you can return to your active lifestyle quickly. To schedule your initial consultation, contact us at (508) 752-7521 today. When you need a chiropractor near you, we look forward to assisting you!