When you are suffering from sciatica it can disrupt your daily life. The pain can make normal activities very difficult. Dr. Pete Lazarnick has a full-service chiropractic practice in Carrollton, GA, where you can get treatments to help your condition.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a nerve pain that travels along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve goes from the back of the pelvis, over the buttocks, and down the legs. When this nerve gets irritated, it can cause a burning, tingling, or numbness anywhere along the nerve. This pain is sciatica.
Causes of sciatica
Herniated or bulging disc
The cushions between the bones of your spine are the discs. Many things can cause them to bulge or herniate, including just the aging process. When they bulge or herniate, they can press on the sciatic nerve, which is the biggest nerve in the body.
Spinal stenosis
Small spaces exist in the spine between the vertebrae that allow nerves to go in and out. When these spaces become too small, pressure is applied to the nerve and this can result in nerve pain.
Spondylolisthesis
This condition is a misalignment of one vertebra in the back. The slight shift can result in irritation or pressure to the sciatic nerve and pain is the result.
A spinal or paraspinal mass
When a mass is growing on or near the spine, it can put pressure on the nerves. This includes malignancy growths, epidural hematoma, or epidural abscesses. All of these can contribute to sciatica.
Piriformis Syndrome
The piriformis muscles are deep within the pelvic region and link the lower back to the legs. The sciatic nerves are close to them, so when these muscles are swollen, they may push on the nerves.
Treating Sciatica
No matter what the cause, when you are suffering from sciatica, what you want most of all is relief. After doing an examination and any testing required, Dr. Pete will offer you the treatment options that are right for you.
Spinal decompression therapy
Spinal decompression helps with disc issues and can also provide relief for sciatica. It is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that uses a very accurate computer-generated program that helps to increase the space between the vertebrae. When the space is increased, it creates suction that pulls discs back into their proper location, and it also relieves the pressure that has been placed on the nerves in or near the back.
Contact Dr. Pete in Carrollton, GA when you are in need of chiropractic care for sciatica. Don't wait, make an appointment today by calling us at 770-832-2226 or via our website.