Sciatica Pain Treatment in Blue Bell and Spring House
Lower back pain affects millions of people every year. Understanding the underlying causes behind the pain is the first step towards treating and healing. However, not all back pain is created equal; sometimes, it can radiate down the length of your leg. In cases like these, a sciatic nerve pain chiropractor can help! For residents in various regions of Montgomery County, our expertly trained team at Community Chiropractic Center will help with your chronic pain.
Identifying Sciatica
Sciatica begins in your lower back and travels down one leg. The root causes of this kind of pain stem from the compression of the sciatic nerve found in your back. This compression can be caused by a herniated disk, a spinal bone spur, or spinal stenosis.
The pain will generally stick to one side of your body. It may radiate down from your back and will either travel down the right or the left side. The amount of pain you feel from the sciatic nerve can vary wildly. Most people will suffer from mild to moderate pain, with rare cases of severe pain.
People who suffer from severe sciatica symptoms might find the pain debilitating, and it can significantly impact their quality of life. It’s important to seek professional help if you’re experiencing regular or severe pain. Treatments for sciatica range from physical therapy and pain relievers to surgery, depending on the severity and duration of symptoms. Our healthcare professionals can provide guidance and recommend the appropriate treatment based on a comprehensive evaluation of your condition.
Experienced Sciatic Nerve Pain Doctors
Consulting a nerve pain doctor can help you determine the best course of action for your treatment. Often, the best course of treatment will be to seek out a chiropractor specializing in the problem you’re dealing with. With a dedicated treatment plan determined by our experienced doctors, most people will see their symptoms remedied in a few weeks.
The human body represents a complex mechanism that requires every part of the body to work in unison to work correctly. Our backs represent one of the essential components of this machine. People suffering from sciatic nerve pain can consult a chiropractor for treatment and begin to feel the relief they need!
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is primarily caused by the irritation of the roots of the lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine. Several conditions can lead to this nerve irritation, resulting in sciatic pain.
The most common cause is a herniated or slipped disc. This occurs when the soft inner portion of the disc protrudes through the outer ring, placing pressure on the sciatic nerve. Another common cause is spinal stenosis, a condition characterized by narrowing the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine.
Other causes include spondylolisthesis, a condition where one vertebra slips forward over another one, and spinal tumors, which are abnormal growths that can develop in the spine or near the sciatic nerve. In rare cases, sciatica can be caused by nerve damage due to diseases such as diabetes.
Piriformis syndrome can also cause sciatic pain. The piriformis muscle is a small muscle located deep in the buttock; in some people, the sciatic nerve runs right through this muscle. If the piriformis muscle becomes tight or spasms, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, leading to similar symptoms as sciatica.
While these conditions may lead to sciatica symptoms, not everyone who has these conditions will experience sciatica. Factors such as age, obesity, occupation, prolonged sitting, diabetes, and lifestyle can play a role in the development of sciatica.
Diagnosing Sciatica
Diagnosing sciatica involves a comprehensive approach to understanding the root cause of the pain and determining the most effective treatment plan. Our sciatica pain treatment doctors in Blue Bell, PA, and Spring House, PA, investigate the following factors:
- Medical History: We will ask about your symptoms, their severity, and when they began. We will also want to know about any previous episodes or injuries, your lifestyle and daily activities, and any family history of similar problems.
- Physical Examination: During a physical exam, we will check your muscle strength and reflexes. You might be asked to do some exercises that can help determine if you have sciatica. These could involve walking on your heels or toes, standing from a squatting position, and lifting your legs one at a time while lying on your back.
- Imaging Tests: If your symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, or if there’s a suspicion of a serious underlying condition, imaging tests such as X-rays, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or Computerized Tomography (CT) scans may be recommended. These tests provide detailed images of your spine and can help identify herniated disks, bone spurs, or other abnormalities that might be pressing against the sciatic nerve.
- Nerve Tests: In some cases, we use Electromyography (EMG) to test the electrical impulses produced by the nerves and the responses of your muscles. This can confirm nerve compression caused by herniated disks or narrowing of your spinal canal (spinal stenosis) that might be causing your sciatica.
Sciatica Complications
In rare cases, sciatica can lead to a loss of feeling or movement in the affected leg, known as neurological deficits. This can manifest as muscle weakness or numbness, making it difficult to move the leg or foot. Severe sciatica can also result in loss of bladder or bowel control, a condition known as cauda equina syndrome. This is a very rare but serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Another potential complication is an increased susceptibility to injury due to decreased sensation in the affected area. If you’re unable to feel your leg properly, you may be more prone to accidents and injuries.
Let Us Help You
FFinding the right approach to dealing with your leg and back pain goes a long way toward your recovery. Our trained chiropractic care specialists at Community Chiropractic Center can address your nerve pain with care and precision!
No matter what part of Blue Bell you reside in, rest assured that we can quickly address your pain and get you on the right treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms. Contact our team to schedule your next appointment today!
