Dr. Steven Thiele has helped many Manchester, Glastonbury, Vernon and East Hartford, Connecticut residents who suffer from sciatica. Regarded by many of his patients as one of the area’s top sciatica relief specialists, Dr. Thiele is recommended by both patients he sees and peers he works with.
Sciatica Q & A
What exactly is sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition in which the sciatic nerve is pinched or pressured. The sciatic nerve is a major nerve, running from the lower back and down each leg, and it can be painful if this nerve is pinched. The resulting pain can occur anywhere from the lower back to the lower legs, including in the hips, buttocks, and thighs. Most of the time, pain occurs in only one leg.
What is sciatica caused by?
Several underlying conditions, some of which are more serious than others, can cause sciatica. Some common causes include:
- muscle spasms
- pregnancy
- lumbar spinal stenosis
- spondylolisthesis
- degenerative disc disease
In addition to these specific causes, there are also several risk factors that make a person more prone to developing sciatica. Known risk factors include:
- obesity
- diabetes
- extended sitting
- twisting the back a lot
- age
Who should see a healthcare provider for sciatica?
As with many medical conditions, sciatica can range in severity from mild to serious. Everyone who has pain caused by a pinching of the sciatic nerve, however, should see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis and evaluation. Mild cases can quickly become severe, so patients shouldn’t wait until their symptoms worsen to make an appointment with a provider.
How do chiropractors treat sciatica?
Chiropractors are among the most qualified healthcare professionals to treat sciatica. They have doctoral degrees and spend years studying the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Many of their studies focus specifically on the spine and related medical issues, like sciatica. Please contact our office for more information on your treatment options.
Chiropractors have a few different ways they can treat sciatica, depending on what the underlying cause is. Cases caused by a misalignment can frequently be treated with a chiropractic adjustment. Please contact our office with any questions you may have regarding treatment for sciatica.