Sciatica

Sciatic pain can be relieved through a combination of stretches, deep tissue massage of the piriformis muscle (a muscle that lies directly over the sciatic nerve) and chiropractic care.

 

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It is made up of branches from the L5-S3 spinal nerve roots and runs from your pelvis, through your hip area and buttocks and down each leg. The sciatic nerve branches into smaller nerves as it travels down the legs providing feeling to your thighs, legs, and feet as well as controlling many of the muscles in your lower legs. The term sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of this nerve extending below the knee.

What causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is actually a sign that you have an underlying problem putting pressure on a nerve in your lower back. The most common cause of this nerve root compression comes from spinal subluxations of the lower lumbar spine or Sacroliliac joints, or from a bulging or herniated lumbar disc. Tight muscles can also be the sole cause or part of the complex of issues causing sciatic pain.  The piriformis is a muscle that lies directly over the sciatic nerve. If this muscle becomes tight or if you have a spasm in this muscle, it puts pressure directly on the sciatic nerve. Occasionally, sciatic pain in men is caused by sitting on a wallet.

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How do I know if I have sciatica?

Pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg is the hallmark of sciatica. Sciatica may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected leg. This pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort. Sometimes it may feel like a jolt or electric shock. Sciatic pain often starts gradually and intensifies over time. It’s likely to be worse when you sit, cough or sneeze.

How is Sciatica Treated?

The vast majority of the time, sciatic pain can be relieved through a combination of pelvic adjustments, stretches, deep trigger point therapy, myofascial release or electric muscle stimulation to the piriformis muscle and gluteal muscles. We will discover the best combination of therapies that work best for you.

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Check out what our patients have to say…

I enjoy coming in for my regular adjustments

Hi.  My name is Jean and I am seeing Dr. Hoch for left-sided sciatica pain that I had been having for a few days.  I had been seeing Dr. Decker in Bourbonnais for the last 15-20 years, but was really looking for someone closer to home.  After meeting with Dr. Hoch and having the necessary x-rays and scans done, it was recommended that I receive regular adjustments, massage therapy, and EMS/US.  After roughly 3 months, the pain was gone.  I found the office to be very businesslike, truthful, always clean and friendly, and above all, I liked their attitude.  Since I have been seeing Dr. Hoch, I have had less colds and this is my first year without bronchitis!  I love my orthotics, I move better and more freely, and I feel stabilized.  I enjoy coming in for my regular adjustments. 

~ J. B. 

 

My quality of life has improved!

I have been suffering from low back pain, and eventually, sciatica and neuropathy for twenty-five years since falling off of my bike onto my tailbone.  Eventually, the pain became unbearable; I would describe it as a burning pain coming down from my lower back and buttocks into my legs and my feet.  I tried in vain, going from doctor to doctor to get relief.  I also tried herbal supplements and vitamins.  I had doubts that chiropractic would help, however the pain was intolerable, and I made the decision to give chiropractic a try.  I was hopeful, I came to see Dr. Hoch in April 2002 and felt that I may have found the answer to my prayers.  The staff was helpful and friendly, and the doctor was compassionate, caring and understanding.  Between the therapy treatments, my daily stretches and proper spinal adjustments, the pain has lessened over the year.  My quality of life has improved, and I was even able to start an exercise regimen.  My husband is also a patient of Dr. Hoch and is very pleased with his results as well.  I have recommended chiropractic to all of my friends and family.  My only regret is that I did not try it much sooner.  ~N. S.

 

 

About 4 years ago I had sciatica. I thought it went away on its own, but recently it came back with a vengeance! The pain originated in my low back and traveled all the way down my leg. It effected my whole life and just increasingly became worse until eventually I began having weakness and tingling. I couldn’t walk straight and sleeping was impossible. I have a Brother-in-law that deals with the side effects of back surgery so I realized I needed a more permanent fix to my problem than a few muscle relaxers and at this point invasive surgery was completely out of the question. The Fort Myers Chiropractic Studio website was interesting and very informative. It’s what drew me in to the office. The atmosphere in Dr. Hochs office is very positive. I have learned so much from Dr. Hoch. I was recommended exercises to do at home and also was explained how to use this wonderful tool called “the stick” which has helped loosen up the muscles in my back and legs. The exercises have helped my balance, strength, and flexibility. I have also learned the importance of icing! It’s free! And it really works. Within only a few visits my pain was manageable and my mobility improved so much. I have been under Dr. Hoch’s care receiving spinal adjustments, electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, and on occasion, massage for a few months and I no longer have to worry about pain. I sometimes wake up a little sore but after moving around the soreness goes away. I will continue to see Dr. Hoch on maintenance and I am careful to tell anyone who will listen about the positive experience I had at Fort Myers Chiropractic Center. ~ M. F.