Frequently Asked Questions about Sciatica Care at Advanced Physical Medicine of Yorktown
Sciatica is an affliction suffered by millions of Americans -- but not everyone understands what this syndrome is all about, why it occurs, or what they can do about it. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about sciatica and its care at Advanced Physical Medicine of Yorkville.
- What is sciatica? Sciatica is a syndrome (set of symptoms) related to impingement of the major nerve roots that attach the spinal cord to the body's largest nerve, the sciatic nerve. This nerve, which branches out into many smaller nerves in the leg, conducts all the nerve signals that flow to and from the leg and foot. Compression of the nerve roots disrupts communications between the sciatic nerve and spinal cord (and therefore the brain).
- What causes sciatica? Any structural imbalance that pushes spinal structures into sciatic nerve tissue can cause sciatica. In most cases, the direct cause is a herniated lumbar or sacral spinal disc protruding from the spinal column. Other causes may include a vertebral alignment problem called spondylolisthesis, a narrowing of the spinal canal called spinal stenosis, or an acute shift in spinal alignment due to an injury.
- What are the symptoms of sciatic nerve compression? While some patients experience lower back or buttock pain, sciatica symptoms most commonly affect the leg and/or foot. Neurological issues in the affected limb may include sharp aches or nagging aches, tingling sensations, numbness, and loss of muscular control that may impair balance.
- My sciatica went away on its own. Am I cured? Sciatica often plagues people for several weeks at a time before disappearing, only to come back again and again. Your sciatica may keep paying you unwanted visits until you get treatment for its underlying cause.
- Does sciatica require surgery? Sciatica calls for surgical intervention only in the most advanced or extreme cases. Most sufferers can get the relief they seek through non-invasive treatment methods such as chiropractic care.
- What are the chiropractic treatment options? Manual chiropractic adjustments can take pressure off of the sciatic nerve tissue by gently shifting misaligned spinal structures back into their correct position. We also offer non-surgical spinal decompression to treat sciatica caused by disc problems. This table-based method uses flexion distraction force to pull herniated discs back into the spinal column.
- What other treatment methods do you prescribe for sciatica treatment? If your sciatica has caused muscle weakness, atrophy or balance issues, we may prescribe a course of rehabilitation and physical therapy to help you regain that lost strength and coordination. Exercises can also help you maintain a straighter posture, reducing your risk for future nerve compression problems.
We Have the Answers to Your Sciatica Questions
If you believe you're experiencing sciatica symptoms, get the answers you need in the form of safe, effective, natural treatment. Call Advanced Physical Medicine of Yorkville at 630-553-2111 to schedule an evaluation at our clinic!