Sciatica symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe debilitating pain, however, these symptoms should never be ignored due to a potential for flare-ups and chronic pain. At Brave Roots Chiropractic in Fort Collins, Colorado, you can get treatment tailored to your unique condition in order to address the root cause of your discomfort. Steve Cook, DC, utilizes a variety of noninvasive techniques to reduce and eliminate sciatica symptoms naturally so you can enjoy life again. To set up a visit, call the office or book online.
Sciatica is a symptom of any condition that causes compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve in your lower back. Your sciatic nerve extends from your spine on both sides of your body into your buttocks, thighs, calves, and feet.
Most cases of sciatica are related to muscles in these areas putting pressure on your sciatic nerve, though other structures can also irritate or compress the nerve. The sciatic nerve is also the largest nerve in your body, which is why sciatica can cause severe, debilitating pain and symptoms throughout your lower back and legs.
Symptoms of sciatica can show up anywhere along the length of your sciatic nerve. Common warning signs include:
In most cases, sciatic pain occurs on only one side of the body. Severe cases — especially those with large disc herniations — may result in pain on both sides of your lower body.
Conditions that can cause sciatica symptoms include:
Most cases of sciatica are related to muscles placing pressure on the sciatic nerve. Lifestyle factors are often implicated in muscle tension issues that cause sciatica, including obesity, pregnancy, prolonged sitting, and poor posture.
Structural issues — including arthritis and herniated discs — are more likely to cause chronic sciatic pain and require dedicated intervention from Dr. Cook in order to reduce your symptoms and improve the health of your back, whenever possible.
Whether your sciatic pain is caused by muscle tension or a structural issue, Dr. Cook uses his findings from your exam and X-rays to identify the cause of your pain and develop a personalized treatment strategy to help you.
Common types of treatments for sciatica include:
Dr. Cook may recommend some or all of these treatments, depending on the root cause of your condition. He works with you throughout your treatment to alleviate your discomfort and remedy the underlying cause of your discomfort.
Set up a sciatica consultation today by calling Brave Roots Chiropractic or booking online.