Sciatica Specialist

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a common symptom that involves radiating pain along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your spine in your lower back and extends down each leg. Most of the time, sciatica only affects one side of the body.

How do I know if I have sciatica?

The most prominent symptom of sciatica is pain that radiates from your lower back (lumbar spine) to your hip and buttock and down the back of your leg. In addition to pain, some patients experience numbness and tingling along the same pathway. This may lead to weakness in the affected leg or foot. 

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica happens when something pinches and irritates the sciatic nerve. The most common culprits include a herniated disc in the lumbar spine or bony growths (bone spurs) that develop on your vertebrae. 

Anyone can develop sciatica, but certain factors may increase your risk, including:

• Increasing age, which increases your risk of herniated discs and bone spurs
• Obesity, which increases stress on your spine
• Nerve damage from diabetes
• Sitting for long periods

Having a job that requires heavy lifting, twisting your back, or driving for long periods, such as parcel delivery, may also increase your risk of sciatica. 

How is sciatica treated?

First, Dr. Hancock reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a comprehensive chiropractic evaluation. He may take a digital X-ray to diagnose the underlying cause of your sciatica.

Then, Dr. Hancock creates a personalized plan that includes the best treatments for your specific condition. Chiropractic sciatica treatment addresses the root cause of your pain instead of just covering the symptoms with medication. 

Depending on your situation, treatment for sciatica may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments, or manual spinal manipulation
• Spinal decompression, or gentle stretching (traction) to correct a herniated disc
• Therapeutic exercises to improve strength and mobility 
• Ultrasound or interferential current therapy to enhance healing

Dr. Hancock may also advise you on steps you can take at home to prevent sciatica from recurring, such as incorporating a healthy diet and exercise into your normal routine. 

To learn how you can relieve sciatica without medications or surgery, call Dr. Hancock at Smoky Hill Chiropractic or book an appointment online today.