Sciatica

Sciatica is a pain condition that occurs from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. At Texas Functional Health Centers in Dallas, Texas, Adam Bohnenblust, DC, BCN, and the team of board-certified providers use a whole-body systematic approach when treating sciatica so patients get long-term results. To get relief from your sciatica, call or schedule an appointment online today.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain from the sciatic nerve, the main nerve in your legs. The sciatic nerve is the largest in your body and consists of several nerve roots that exit the lumbar and sacral spine, join together in the buttocks, and travel down the back of your leg on both sides of the body.

Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve may cause moderate to severe pain that starts in the lower back and radiates into the leg. You may also have numbness or weakness in the leg or foot. 

What causes sciatica?

You can develop sciatica from any number of causes. In most cases, the pain condition develops from compression or irritation of a sciatic nerve root as it exits the lumbar spine from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease (DDD).

Trigger points may also cause sciatica. Trigger points are tight bands of muscle (muscle knots) that form from overuse. These muscle knots may pinch the sciatic nerve, causing the pain condition. 

When should I seek chiropractic care for sciatica?

You should seek chiropractic care as soon as you start having sciatica symptoms. The team at Texas Functional Health Centers takes a holistic and conservative approach, customizing treatment plans based on the root cause of your pain.

The team asks detailed questions about your symptoms, when they started, and the activities that make them worse. They review your medical history and perform a physical exam, focusing on finding the root cause of your sciatica so they can create an effective treatment plan.

What are some treatments for sciatica?

The team at Texas Functional Health Centers customizes your sciatica treatment plan based on the cause of your pain. Treatment may include:

• Spinal adjustments
• Personalized exercise program
• Massage therapy
• Fascial therapy (for trigger points)
• Low-level light therapy (LLLT)

The team schedules regular visits, providing the care you need to support your body’s healing process. Your sciatica treatment plan focuses on healing the true cause of your pain to eliminate the health issue altogether.

For comprehensive sciatica care from a skilled team, call Texas Functional Health Centers or schedule an appointment online today.