Effective Sciatica Treatment in Philadelphia

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is the irritation of the sciatic nerve. This large nerve branches out from the lower back where it then runs through the pelvic bones, down through the buttocks and back of each leg. Sciatic nerve pain can come from any number of causes, such as:

• Ruptured disc
• Bulging disc
• Arthritis
• Bone spur on the spine
• Spinal stenosis (the narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Scar tissue
• Anything that rubs or compresses the sciatic nerve, such as a tumor.

Sometimes a pregnancy can create the condition where the nerve is temporarily compressed, creating sciatic nerve pain.

What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica?

Symptoms of sciatica often have the tell-tale characteristic of pain in the buttocks or hip region. But other symptoms include:

• Pain in the lower back
• Sharp or dull pain radiating down the back of the thigh and into the calf
• Pain when standing at length
• Pain when sitting at length
• Dull or sharp pain radiating from the lower back
• Pain that feels like an electric shock
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot, sometimes both in different areas.
• Muscle weakness in the affected leg

Usually, sciatic nerve pain affects just one buttock or leg at a time, but extreme cases can present in both.

Do I Need Surgery for Sciatica?

The first, and usually most effective, treatment for sciatica is physical therapy. Stretching exercises, posture improvement and regular walking all work well to treat sciatica. Surgical considerations come into play only if the cause of the irritation to the nerve cannot be alleviated with chiropractic or physical therapy treatments. Herniated or bulging discs and tumors may require surgical repair.

Can Rittenhouse Square Chiropractic Treat My Sciatica?

The knowledgeable doctors and therapists at Rittenhouse Square Chiropractic successfully treat sciatica for many of our patients. We start with a thorough, examination and testing, including on-site x-rays, and determine the best course of action to guide you to a life free of sciatic nerve pain.

What Can I Do at Home for My Sciatica?

Most sciatic nerve pain patients find relief with proper stretches, exercises and postural adjustments that should also be practiced at home. We’ll teach you the best methods for your specific case and coach you on home care that you can perform between visits and to keep the pain from returning after successful clinical treatment.