Treating Sciatica

Sciatic Nerve Pain Chiropractic Treatment

If you have felt the sharp bite of pain that radiates from your lower back, over your hips and buttocks and down one leg, you have experienced sciatica. This condition develops when compression occurs on the sciatic nerve. Sciatic nerve pain can vary in intensity from mild to extreme, causing difficulty in mobility and body positioning. Specific conditions can exacerbate the pain of sciatica. For those searching for chiropractic care to treat sciatica in northern Georgia, Paxton Family Chiropractic offers expert therapy to offer help and relief.

Who is at Risk for Sciatica?

A variety of conditions can generate pain in the sciatic nerve. A few of these conditions are:

• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Tumors and Cysts on the Spine

With any of the conditions above, patients are usually treated for these primary causes with sciatica as a resulting side effect. However, research has also found specific risk factors for developing sciatica. Those who smoke, are experiencing mental stress or are taller than average are at greater risk for this painful condition. Also, persons who spend a lot of time driving or those who lift heavy items regularly are more prone to have pain in the sciatic nerve.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors usually diagnose sciatica after a patient reports radiating pain down the leg. A simple test is conducted in which patients are instructed to raise the leg during the physical exam. Sometimes different imaging scans are ordered for further diagnosis. Initially, doctors usually recommend rest for a period of time to allow the condition to improve. Sometimes treatments like analgesic pain medications, steroid prescriptions or injections are offered. If a herniated disc is discovered to be the source of the sciatic nerve pain, surgery can be recommended.

Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica

Today’s savvy patient is able to research a procedure prior to undertaking it. Let’s face it. That’s why you are reading this article. Chiropractic care focuses on the premise that the spine houses the control center for the entire body. A natural, non-invasive healthcare approach appeals to many patients who wish to avoid the side effects of oral medications, painful injections or potentially dangerous surgical procedures. Further, it makes sense. Pain signals can be relieved with spinal adjustments and mobility can be restored. A relatively small study indicated approximately 50% of patients showed improvement in acute and ongoing pain with spinal manipulation alone.

Sciatica Chiropractic Care in Northern Georgia

The pain of sciatica can be excruciating. At Paxton Family Chiropractic, we are committed to utilizing a variety of treatments and therapies to help you feel better quickly. If your life has been negatively impacted by sciatica, call today and set an appointment for an initial screening and consultation. Our individualized treatment plan will place you on a course of pain-free living.