Sciatica

When the sciatic nerve is pinched, patients experience pain in their lower back, hips, buttocks, and legs. Sciatica is painful, but you don’t have to suffer in agony your whole life. At Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center located in Nitro, WV, Dr. Jay McClanahan uses non-invasive treatments to relieve pain, allowing patients to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Here’s everything you need to know about sciatica. 

What Causes Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. Spanning from your lower back and down to your hips, buttocks, and two legs, sciatica usually starts because of a herniated disk in the lower spine. This herniation causes the disk to place pressure on the nerves, including the sciatic nerve. Most sciatica patients range from 30-50 years old. While rare, children and teens are prone to sciatica too. 

Symptoms

One of the main symptoms of sciatica is pain. Pain levels vary and radiate from different parts of the lower back. Sometimes the pain consists of electric-like shots, mild aches, or sharp burning sensations. Other symptoms include numbness, tingling feelings, and muscle weakness.

How Chiropractic Care Helps

Spinal Adjustments

Since sciatica impacts the nerve, Dr. McClanahan recommends spinal adjustments to relieve pain. Spinal misalignment or subluxation means your vertebrae is moved from its original position. This misalignment impairs the brain’s communication with the body’s neural pathways. The good news is spinal adjustments greatly remove the pressure of the sciatic nerve, giving you the much-needed relief to go on with your life. 

Diet Tips

Overweight individuals are more likely to develop sciatica due to the immense spinal strain. That’s why your Nitro, WV chiropractor advises patients to eat healthy. Maintaining a well-rounded diet with fruits and vegetables lowers inflammation and reduces excess weight on the joints.

DTS Therapy

DTS Spinal Compression is a non-invasive procedure for disc-related issues in the lumbar and cervical spine area of the body. DTS is a gentle therapy designed to relieve sciatica pain and enhance muscle control. Contact our office today to learn more about this therapy. 

Dr. Jay McClanahan is the owner and chiropractor of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center. Our office is located in Nitro, WV. To schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan visit our website or call 304-776-1520.