Sciatica is a common condition that affects Americans of all ages. In fact, researchers estimate about 40% of people will experience sciatica at some time during their life. At Platinum Chiropractic + Wellness, chiropractor Vinay Panchal, DC, offers holistic, integrative treatment for sciatica. To make an appointment at the practice in Omaha, Nebraska, call the office today or book online.

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What is sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when your sciatic nerve is pinched or compressed by a herniated disc or a bone spur. The compression causes pain, inflammation, and numbness that affects your lower back and extends to the buttocks and legs, usually on only one side of your body.

Most cases of sciatica respond to conservative treatments, like ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain medication. If you experience severe sciatica and your symptoms don’t improve, make an appointment with Dr. Panchal right away.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

The most obvious symptom of sciatica is pain in your buttocks or leg. For some people, the pain is mild; for others, it’s intense and interferes with their ability to work, exercise, or perform daily tasks. As the condition worsens, you might also experience pain when you sneeze, cough, or stand up.

When should I see a doctor of chiropractic about sciatica?

Make an appointment at Platinum Chiropractic + Wellness if you experience lower back or leg pain that lasts for more than a week. That’s especially true if your pain occurs suddenly, is the result of a violent injury, or affects your ability to control your bowels and bladder.

Who is at risk of sciatica?

Anyone can experience sciatica, but there are several factors that increase your risk, including:

  • Weight issues
  • Being middle-aged or older
  • Living a sedentary lifestyle
  • Diabetes

You’re also more likely to experience sciatica if you work a physically demanding job that requires frequent twisting, lifting, or bending.

How is sciatica diagnosed?

To diagnose sciatica, Dr. Panchal asks about your symptoms, including when they started and their severity. 

Next, he conducts a physical exam, testing your muscle strength and reflexes. He might also have you perform some easy exercises to assess your range of motion. If you experience pain when you squat down or stand on your toes, you probably have sciatica.

How is sciatica treated?

At Platinum Chiropractic + Wellness, Dr. Panchal uses conservative, holistic treatments to manage sciatica. He might recommend:

  • Flexion-distraction 
  • Active and passive stretching
  • Soft tissue manipulation of the neck to ease tension
  • Physical therapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage
  • Lumbar roll
  • Active release technique® (ART)
  • Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization® (DNS)

Chiropractic care doesn’t always provide immediate relief. You may need to attend several appointments before seeing an improvement in your symptoms.

To receive treatment for sciatica, make an appointment at Platinum Chiropractic + Wellness by calling the office today or clicking the online booking feature.