Back pain can be hard to live with, especially when it's radiating down your leg. If you show signs of this type of pain or numbness, you may be dealing with sciatica. Luckily, you have caring and professional help available at Hastings Family Chiropractic from Dr. Troy Wilson in Hastings, NE. He is a professional who provides many services to restore the vertebrae and soft tissues that can cause nerve compression.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is caused by compression of a sciatic nerve. This compression can happen anywhere along the long nerves that start at the lower back and go down your buttocks, legs, and into the backs of the heels. You may have compression due to a muscle knot, spasm, or, in most cases, a bulging or herniated disc. Some people experience this compression due to being overweight, as excessive weight can put pressure on the lower back. Your working environment may also be a factor, especially if you are sedentary and don't get up to stretch or move heavy items and perform other repetitive movements.
How Can Dr. Wilson Treat Your Pain?
In many cases, the first step in treating this type of pain is aligning the spine and getting pressure off of the joints and support tissue's. Your chiropractor can use a traditional adjustment, traction on a roller bed, and chiropractic massage. Relaxing the muscles around the vertebrae can make it easier for your chiropractor to manipulate the spinal column. If soft tissue issues cause your sciatic pain, Dr. Wilson may use therapeutic ultrasound or electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) or even StemWave. StemWave uses a high pressure sound wave that breaks up chronic tissue, increasing circulation, increasing lymphatic movement, reducing inflammation and releasing stem cells to help repair the tissue. EMS therapy sends electrical pulses through the soft tissue, while ultrasound uses sound waves. All techniques encourage circulation and reduce muscle tightness that may produce spasms.
What Are Lifestyle Adjustments That Help?
When you have a consultation with Dr. Wilson, he will advise you about how to avoid a recurrence of this condition. If you are overweight, losing a few pounds can alleviate pressure on the lower back. Lifting heavy objects should be done by bending the knees while you keep the back straight. Create an ergonomic workspace if you sit at a desk by using an adjustable chair that supports your back and keeps computer screens at eye level. Remember to periodically stretch throughout the day to keep your back muscles flexible.
Dr. Wilson has several ways to treat your sciatica in Hastings, NE. Schedule an appointment at Hastings Family Chiropractic by calling 402-463-1955 today.
