Answering Your Sciatica Relief FAQs

Sciatica can cause debilitating pain that significantly impacts your quality of life and ability to perform even the simplest tasks. Understanding sciatica and what causes it can empower you to get the appropriate care to alleviate pain and restore mobility. Dodd Chiropractic Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, offers several chiropractic techniques to treat this condition and improve your health and wellness. We are here to answer some of your frequently asked questions about sciatica and how we can treat it.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain originating from the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in your body, running from your lower back through your buttocks and down both legs. When the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated, it triggers the characteristic pain, tingling, and numbness associated with sciatica.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

The most common symptom of sciatica is sharp, shooting pain radiating down one leg. This pain often feels like a burning or searing sensation. You may also experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg. Pain can worsen with specific movements like coughing, sneezing, or bending.

What causes sciatica?

Several factors can compress the sciatic nerve, with some of the most common causes being:

• Herniated disc: This is the most common cause, where the soft inner material of the spinal disc bulges and presses on the nerve.
• Spinal stenosis: This condition narrows the spinal canal and puts pressure on the nerve roots.
• Degenerative disc disease: Aging and wear-and-tear can cause discs to lose their cushioning, leading to nerve compression.

Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?

Chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for sciatica. Chiropractors use manual adjustments to improve spinal alignment and reduce nerve pressure. Some of the methods our chiropractors can use in their sciatica treatment plan include:

• Spinal adjustment: Spinal adjustments can improve alignment and relieve pressure on the nerve.
• Soft tissue and massage therapy: These methods can relax muscles and improve blood flow to promote healing.
• Corrective exercises: Strengthening and stretching exercises can improve flexibility and core stability, reducing stress on the spine and nerves.

What are the benefits of chiropractic care for sciatica?

Chiropractic care offers several potential benefits for sciatica. Adjustments and other manual techniques can reduce pain and inflammation. Massage and soft tissue therapies promote healing and increase your range of motion. Corrective exercises and lifestyle advice can strengthen your body and minimize the risk of developing sciatica in the future. Chiropractic care can also help you recover quicker from sciatica episodes.

Get Long-Lasting Sciatica Relief at Dodd Chiropractic Clinic Today

If you are experiencing pain due to sciatica, contact your chiropractor at Dodd Chiropractic Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, today. Our experienced chiropractors will work with you to understand your unique situation and develop a safe and effective approach to alleviate your pain and restore your range of motion. Call us and schedule a consultation today at (904) 388-1811 to get the sciatica relief necessary to help you feel like yourself again.