Sciatica

You’ll know when you have sciatica by its classic symptom: pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down your leg. Whether your pain is mild or severe, the doctors at Everest Medical Group have the chiropractic expertise to help you find relief, using various chiropractic techniques, physical therapy, and other modalities. To schedule an appointment, call Everest Medical Group in Mesa, Arizona, or use the online booking feature.

Sciatica Q & A

What is sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that follows the sciatic nerve as it travels from the base of your spine, through your buttocks, and down each leg.

When the nerve becomes compressed or pinched, pain develops that radiates down your leg. You may also experience numbness, tingling, weakness, or a burning feeling in the leg affected by sciatica.

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica is often caused by health conditions such as:

  • Herniated or slipped disc in the lower spine
  • Narrowing of the spinal column
  • Degenerative spinal disease
  • Tightness or spasm of muscles in the buttocks

Are you at risk for sciatica?

Sciatica is common in older adults due to years of pressure on their lower spine. Age is primarily a risk factor for a herniated disc. You can’t do anything about your age, but you may be able to lower your risk of developing sciatica by taking steps to avoid these factors:

  • Being overweight or obese
  • Sitting for long periods of time
  • Lifting heavy items using improper technique
  • Preventing high blood sugar if you’re diabetic

You can also lower your chance of sciatica with routine chiropractic care. The doctors at Everest Medical Group are the experts when it comes to caring for your back. With routine care, they can detect subtle changes in your lower spine before they cause symptoms, and develop a treatment plan to prevent the sciatic nerve from becoming pinched.

How does chiropractic care treat sciatica?

One of the key chiropractic therapies -- spinal adjustment or manipulation -- restores misaligned vertebrae, which reduces or eliminates pressure on the nerve. Spinal decompression is another treatment often used to treat sciatica.

Spinal decompression -- also called nonsurgical decompression therapy -- is done by gently stretching then relaxing your spine in a controlled manner using a traction table. The procedure releases pressure between discs and restores your body’s ability to heal by improving blood flow.

Many other therapies may be included in treatment for sciatica, depending on your individual needs. For example, you may undergo therapeutic massage or trigger point therapy to reduce muscle tension. Rehabilitative physical therapy can be used to strengthen your back muscles.

Your doctor at Everest Medical Group may also evaluate your posture and the way you walk. Proper posture while you stand, sit, and walk helps relieve pressure and keep your spine aligned.

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8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Tuesday

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thursday

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Friday

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Saturday

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Sunday

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Monday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Friday
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Saturday
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Sunday
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