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Chiropractic Care for Sciatica in Glendale AZ

by | Jan 20, 2021

Do you have pain that shoots down the back of your leg? Does this pain interfere with your daily activities? If so, you may be suffering from sciatica. Sciatica is not just any leg pain; it comes from irritation of the sciatic nerve.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in your body. It begins in your low back and travels through your buttock region and straight down the back of your leg to your foot. When this nerve is irritated, it can cause searing pain, often described as a lightning bolt or a red-hot poker, to shoot down the back of your leg. This condition, known as sciatica, can cause difficulties with sitting, standing, walking, and sleep, just to name a few.

Sciatica typically results from misalignment and/or disc bulging in the lower lumbar spine. This puts pressure on the delicate nerves that your spine is designed to protect. If left untreated, this can worsen and eventually cause permanent damage to the nerves, so it is vital to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Many people turn to drugs and surgery when trying to treat their sciatica, both of which can have significant side effects. NSAIDs, like Ibuprofen and Naproxen, have a lengthy list of side effects including, but not limited to allergic reactions, stomach and bowel bleeding, liver and kidney damage, as well as increased risk of heart disease. Cortisone injections can cause elevated blood sugar, weakening of tendons, loss of cartilage, and infection, to name a few. Complications of spine surgery include bleeding, infection, nerve damage, paralysis, and even death.

When seeking help with sciatica it is best to begin with conservative treatment. Chiropractic is a safe and effective approach. Chiropractic care seeks to address the underlying causes of sciatica by improving the motion and position of the involved spinal bones, known as vertebrae. This helps to relieve pressure on the nerve and decreasing pain. If disc bulging is contributing to your sciatica, addressing spinal alignment and function may also decrease disc pressure on the nerve. The chiropractor may use other procedures, such as spinal decompression, to help take disc pressure off the nerve as well. Other treatments may include deep tissue therapeutic laser to help decrease tissue swelling and spinal rehabilitation to help strengthen muscles to improve stability of the spine.
When looking for a chiropractor to treat your sciatica, it is important to choose one who has experience treating this condition and has the resources available to implement various modalities address your unique needs.

[Dr. David Iszler owns and operates Trinity Chiropractic in Glendale, AZ. He has over 28 years of experience providing quality chiropractic care.]

Dr. David Iszler

Dr. David Iszler graduated Summa Cum Laude from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa in 1994. Dr. Iszler practiced in Casper, Wyoming for 24 years before selling his practice to move to Arizona. He now practices in Glendale, where he is blessed to serve families in the Northwest Valley. He and his wife, Sheryl, are also sought-after wellness speakers, sharing health and wellness advice with businesses and organizations in his community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sciatica and what causes it?
Sciatica is irritation of the sciatic nerve, which begins in the low back and travels down the back of the leg and into the foot. It is typically caused by subluxation (misalignment) or disc bulges in the low back.
Can chiropractic care help to alleviate my sciatica symptoms?
Chiropractic is a safe and effective way to help alleviate sciatica without the use of drugs or surgery.
What types of chiropractic techniques are used to treat sciatica?
Most chiropractic techniques are effective at treating sciatica because they focus on improving the function of the spine.
How long does it take to see results from chiropractic treatment for sciatica?
Everyone heals at their own rate and the maximum benefit of care varies from person to person. However, most patients begin to notice improvement within a few visits.
Are there any exercises or stretches that can help to relieve sciatica pain?
The most important part of relieving sciatica is restoring proper motion and position of the spine through chiropractic adjustments. Stretches and exercises may also be prescribed to help maximize the correction and to minimize the probability of future flare-ups.
Is chiropractic care safe for treating sciatica?
Chiropractic care is safe for treating sciatica. It is actually statistically safer than taking aspirin.
Can chiropractic care be used in conjunction with other treatments for sciatica?
Chiropractic adjustments are frequently used in conjunction with other treatments such as spinal decompression, laser therapy, and spinal rehabilitation exercises.
What lifestyle changes can I make to prevent sciatica from recurring?
Lifestyle changes to help prevent recurrence of sciatica include, but are not limited to maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, avoiding prolonged sitting, and using proper body mechanics when bending or lifting.
How can I maintain the results of chiropractic treatment for sciatica?
The best ways to maintain your results is to keep up on your maintenance care. Just like wearing a retainer after braces are removed from your teeth, this helps maintain proper alignment. It is also important to make lifestyle changes to minimize stress on your spine.
TMJ -
I do not care to attract TMJ patients and will typically refer to a dentist that specializes in this problem.