If you are feeling pain that starts in the base of your lower back that radiates down the back of your leg, chances are you are suffering from sciatic nerve pain, also known as sciatica. While an episode of sciatica can be very painful, it is usually treatable through chiropractic care. At Hull Chiropractic in Indianapolis, we take care to find the source of your pain and provide you with the most effective possible chiropractic care.
request an appointmentWhat is Sciatica?
Sciatica is pain caused by a pinched sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body. The pain is felt as a burning sensation and may be accompanied by numbness, weakness, and tingling in the back of the leg. In most cases, sciatica is felt in just one leg. Occasionally, both legs will be affected. Sciatic nerve pain is often aggravated when a person is sitting, in the process of standing or bending forward. Walking offers some relief, as do heat packs, but often more help is needed to properly tackle the pain.
Causes of Sciatica
- Herniated Disc – When the cushioning is the spinal disc next to the sciatic nerve spills out, it places pressure on the sciatic nerve leading to sciatica.
- Isthmic Spondylolisthesis – A condition caused by a small bone fracture near the facet joints (isthmus). This can flatten the spinal discs and compress the nerve roots. Often, the sciatic nerve is the one that is compromised.
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis – A condition where the spinal canal narrows, resulting in spinal compression. This condition is typically due to aging and can lead to sciatic nerve compression.
- Irritation of the piriformis muscle – This muscle is located next to the sciatic nerve and can trigger sciatica
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction – When there is a problem with the sacroiliac joint, which connects the lumbar spine to the tailbone, the sciatic nerve can become irritated.
Sciatica Treatment in Indianapolis, IN
Sciatica is one of the most common ailments addressed by our chiropractor. Thankfully, most people can find sciatic nerve pain relief following a combination of spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercises, and other treatments. Chiropractic care is an attractive option for sciatica treatment because it does not involve prescription medication or invasive surgery. If you are looking for a “chiropractor near me” in Indianapolis for sciatica treatment, call Hull Chiropractic today at (317) 243-2392.