Sciatic nerve pain, also known as sciatica, is a common condition that affects millions of Americans every year. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body traveling over half your body length. Starting in the lower back, the sciatic nerves branch from various spinal nerves on each side of the spinal cord and continue down both sides of the body, through the hips, buttocks, legs, and feet.

The condition can vary in severity and duration, but often, many individuals seek professional care to treat their pain. Chiropractic care and physical therapy are two of the most common treatment methods for resolving sciatic nerve pain. It is common belief that rest is a good choice in healing from sciatica, however, exercising and stretching the aforementioned area is is vital to resolving the pain.

Dr. Reinhardt and his team understand how this nerve pain can be limiting to daily life. Therefore, they prioritize treating sciatica patients in an effective and educational manner that helps to prevent future reoccurrence.

Why Sciatica Occurs and What Are the Warning Signs

Sciatic nerve pain is often the result of nerve compression caused by a herniated disk in the lumbar spine. This forced pressure causes nerves to become irritated and inflamed. A few key indicators that signify you might be suffering from a sciatic nerve issue include:

  • Lower back pain that radiates into the leg(s)
  • Numbness in legs/feet
  • Tingling in legs/feet
  • Weakness in legs

Individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 are the most at risk to develop sciatic nerve pain, in addition to pregnant women and individuals who see large weight gains. Sciatica can range from a mild ache to sharp nerve pain, and the diagnosis must be made by a trained medical professional as several other conditions share common similarities.

How a Chiropractor Treats Sciatic Nerve Pain

As each individual’s sciatica case differs, so do treatment options. Dr. Reinhardt will first conduct a complete neurological and orthopaedic exam to better identify and locate where the nerve is being affected. Dr. Reinhardt will then determine if further imaging studies are required such as an x-ray or MRI.

Spinal Decompression Therapy: This treatment takes the pressure off the affected nerves and other structures by gently stretching the spine.

Physical Therapy: Physical Rehabilitation uses a regimen of treatments and exercises to help restore and repair the body.

Dry Needling: Focusing on targeting trigger points within muscles, dry needling helps improve chronic pain and muscle discomfort.

TENS: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is a common treatment option that sends electrical waves into the body to reduce pain and minimize muscle spasms.

Ultrasound: Sound waves help produce heat that targets deep soft tissues and increases blood circulation. Ultrasound treatments can help relax spinal tissues that are causing a herniated disc.

Spinal Manipulation: As the primary pillar to chiropractic care, spine adjustments seek to realign the vertebra and fellow joints to their proper position. In doing so, muscles, ligaments, and nerves can see a reduction in irritability, inflammation, and pain. Several spinal adjustments can help readjust the back to stop causing negative compression on the sciatic nerve.

Chiropractic care has proven to be an effective and successful long-term solution to sciatic nerve pain. Dr. Reinhardt has been able to help treat and improve the quality of life for numerous individuals struggling with lower back nerve pain.

Denver’s Best Chiropractic Care for Sciatic Nerve Pain

Upon entering our clinic, Dr. Reinhardt will conduct a full exam of your situation and overall health to determine the severity and source of your nerve pain.

Through a combination of treatments, exercises, and lifestyle adjustments, Dr. Reinhardt and his team can help alleviate your pain and discomfort associated with sciatic nerve pain. Schedule an appointment today to start healing!