The term sciatica refers to symptoms of pain in the low back, buttock, hip and leg. The pain down the leg can feel like numbness/tingling, "pins and needles" weakness, and burning or sharp pain. Sciatica is a symptom of a problem meaning, the cause is coming from somewhere else. With a thorough history and examination, the doctors at the Ortman Clinic are skilled in determining the cause of the sciatic pain and can figure out exactly where the pressure on the nerve is coming from. Causes include muscle strains, injuries, vertebral subluxations, inflammation, stenosis, spondylolisthesis and disc bulges or herniations, just to name a few.
Sciatica is a complaint seen frequently here at the clinic. Length of treatment depends on the cause of the sciatic pain and typically the mechanism of injury, but results can typically be seen within a few visits. Occasionally, further testing is necessary to diagnose the cause of the sciatic pain, such as an x-ray or MRI exam.
Studies show conservative treatment and care will work 80-90% of the time in sciatica cases. Along with treatment, your doctor may recommend activities you can do at home to help such as walking, stretching, using ice/heat packs, or giving you work modifications/limitations.
If this sounds like a problem you are experiencing, call the clinic today, as chiropractic care continues to be a low-cost, effective and non-surgical approach to healthcare.
Call 605-296-3431 if you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment with a doctor.
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