Sciatica can cause back pain, leg pain, numbness, and make the smallest tasks difficult. Not only that, but if the condition is left untreated, it can also lead to chronic pain and permanent nerve damage. At Crystal Springs Chiropractic in San Mateo, CA, our team provides chiropractic treatments to alleviate your discomfort and prevent further complications. You can learn more about sciatica below:

Understanding Sciatica

A variety of factors, such as injuries, conditions, and bone diseases, can cause spine compression. When it is compressed, it tends to put pressure on the spinal discs, which help cushion the spinal vertebrae. When there is too much pressure, the discs can tear or bulge out. A disc that is torn or bulging can cause intense pain since the inner filling has leaked into a nerve is causing compression.

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body and it originates in the lower back and runs to the feet. Those who suffer from sciatica tend to only feel symptoms on the side where the compression is present. If, for example, the sciatic nerve is compressed on the left, numbness, tingling, lower back pain, leg pain, and other symptoms will be felt on the left.

Chiropractic Care for Sciatica

Sciatica is most effectively treated by relieving the compression on the sciatic nerve. Our chiropractors use two specific techniques to offer relief: adjustments and spinal decompression. Adjustments can help restore proper spinal alignment, while spinal decompression slowly stretches the spine. The combination of treatments helps address the root cause of the compression and pulls the herniated disc or bulging disc back into place, which naturally takes the pressure off the nerve.

In addition to adjustments and spinal decompression, we also use therapeutic exercises, soft tissue therapy, and lifestyle guidance for healing. Therapeutic exercises help to treat the cause of the spine and nerve compression, while soft tissue techniques help relieve tension and improve nerve function. In addition, we offer lifestyle guidance that include tips that can help you build better habits, such as proper posture and proper lifting techniques. Following these tips will can help sciatica from reoccurring.

Contact us for an Appointment Today

At Crystal Springs Chiropractic in San Mateo, CA, we offer treatments to reduce the symptoms of sciatica and improve your overall health. To learn about our treatments and to schedule your appointment, call us at (650) 574-1456 today.