Fort Lauderdale Sciatica Treatment

Sciatica is defined as pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which extends from your lower back to your buttocks and leg. Sciatica can be caused by several things including a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or Piriformis syndrome.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, sciatica affects nearly 40% of Americans at some point. If you have a sciatica injury, you are not alone. If your pain becomes intense, our caring, qualified chiropractors can provide medical attention and treatment.

At Specific Care Chiropractic, we offer effective and all-natural Fort Lauderdale sciatica treatment. While many people settle for rest and over-the-counter pain medication to treat sciatica, chiropractic care can actually be much more effective.

Table of Contents

Causes of Sciatica in Fort Lauderdale

Sciatica is a condition where the sciatic nerve gets compressed, causing pain and numbness in the buttocks, down the lower leg, and into the foot. According to Harvard Health Publishing, sciatica affects nearly 40% of Americans at some point.

The most common causes of sciatica include:

Trauma

Sciatica is one of the many conditions caused by injury or accident that affect the sciatic nerve, which branches from the lower back and travels down to your buttocks. More specifically, falls can weaken muscles in your buttocks and stretch hamstring muscles. This could indicate a tear or inflammation in the sciatic nerve, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in your buttocks and down your legs.

Sciatic nerve pain is often accompanied by a sharp stabbing feeling that can make it hard to walk, sit or stand up straight.

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc (also called a slipped disc) is often the cause of sciatica. The pain is caused when the gel-like center of a disc ruptures through a crack in its tough outer layer and presses on the sciatic nerve. A chiropractor can relieve this pain by performing a chiropractic adjustment, helping to align the spine and take pressure off of the sciatic nerve.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is another common cause of sciatica. This occurs when the spaces within your spine narrow, causing the spinal cord and nerves to become compressed. A chiropractor can treat spinal stenosis by performing chiropractic adjustments and recommending exercises and stretches to improve your range of motion.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, many changes happen to a woman’s body, especially during the second and third trimesters. These changes include:

  • Increased weight
  • Loosening of ligaments to accommodate the weight gain
  • Constant movement and abdominal expansion because of the growing infant

These can all put indirect, painful pressure on your sciatic nerve. If you are experiencing sciatica pain, a doctor can help relieve this pressure.

Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome is another condition that can cause sciatica. It occurs when the piriformis muscle, which is located in the buttocks, irritates the sciatic nerve. A chiropractor can help to treat piriformis syndrome by performing chiropractic adjustments and recommending exercises and stretches that give you a fuller range of motion.

What Are the Symptoms of a Sciatica Injury?

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have a sciatica injury:

  • Sharp pain or intermittent, stabbing pain in the low back, buttocks, or one leg
  • Tightening of the buttock muscles as well as painful stretching or tingling sensations in the thigh and foot
  • Weakness, paralysis, or “pins and needles” sensation in one leg
  • A dragging sensation in the low back and hamstring muscles
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in the buttocks, legs, thighs, or toes
  • Loss of strength or coordination

Fort Lauderdale sciatica treatment, chiropractor examining man with back pain

Can Fort Lauderdale Chiropractic Care Help Treat Sciatica Injuries?

Yes, chiropractic care can actually be a very effective treatment option for sciatica injuries. Chiropractic adjustments can help to align the spine and take pressure off of the sciatic nerve. Special exercises and stretches that your chiropractor may recommend can also help relieve the pain associated with sciatica.

Diagnosis of Sciatica Injury in Fort Lauderdale

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a sciatica injury, it’s important to see a doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. A sciatica injury is typically diagnosed through the following tests:

  • Nerve conduction study
  • MRI
  • CT scan

Additionally, your chiropractor will conduct a physical examination and review your medical history to rule out other conditions.

Chiropractic Treatments for Sciatica Injury

Chiropractic care can be an effective treatment option for sciatica injuries and may help to relieve your pain. Several treatment options could be used, including:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments: This helps to align the spine and relieve pressure on damaged or inflamed nerves. Adjustments can also help to restore normal nerve function, as well as improve sleep.
  • Massage Therapy: Massage therapy relaxes tense muscles, takes the pressure off of the sciatic nerve, and encourages healthy blood flow.
  • Stretching Exercises: These increase flexibility, which may reduce pain and increase mobility. They also help to reduce the chances of aggravating the injury.

If you are suffering from any type of sciatica injury, our Fort Lauderdale chiropractors can help.

Benefits of Treating Sciatica Injuries With Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments can help to realign the spine and take pressure off of the sciatic nerve, easing your sciatic pain. In addition, chiropractic care can also help to improve your range of motion and flexibility, which can also help to reduce the pain associated with sciatica.

Chiropractors are specially trained to treat the symptoms of sciatica, and also to get down to the root cause of why you’re experiencing discomfort. This is done through a variety of spinal manipulations and joint adjustments. Lifestyle changes such as limiting or eliminating caffeine, or adding exercise and weight loss can also help manage pain caused by sciatica and help you live a healthier life.

Schedule Your Fort Lauderdale Sciatica Treatment!

Sciatica is defined as pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which extends from your lower back to your buttocks and leg. Sciatica can be caused by several things including a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or Piriformis syndrome.

If you are suffering from sciatica or any lower back pain in Fort Lauderdale, contact Specific Care Chiropractic today at (239) 369-9109 to schedule your consultation. Our compassionate, qualified chiropractors can perform a thorough examination and develop a treatment plan that is tailored specifically for you.