Sciatica Treatment in Apple Valley
Sciatica can make sitting, driving, walking or playing a round of golf uncomfortable. When pain travels from the low back into the buttock or leg, finding out what is irritating the nerve is the first step toward choosing the right care. Our chiropractors start by determining what may be irritating the nerve, because sciatica can have more than one cause.
Sciatica Describes Where It Hurts, Not Why
Sciatica generally refers to symptoms involving irritation or compression of nerve roots that contribute to the sciatic nerve. People also commonly use the term for pain spreading from the low back into the hip, thigh or foot. Finding the likely source helps shape your care plan.
Why a Disc Isn’t Always the Culprit
Many people assume a disc is to blame. Sometimes it is, but nerve irritation may be associated with several different problems:
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Joint or mechanical problems in the lower back
- A tight piriformis muscle in the buttock
- SI joint or facet joint dysfunction
- Stenosis, arthritis or disc degeneration
Shooting, Burning, or Pins and Needles
Symptoms may include sharp or burning pain from the low back or buttock down one leg. Some people experience numbness, tingling or weakness in the calf, foot or toes.
Think of a garden hose that keeps getting kinked in the same spot. You may be able to work around the problem for a while, but repeatedly pushing through doesn’t tell you what’s causing it. Pain that keeps returning, limits your activities or comes with numbness or weakness deserves an evaluation. Loss of bladder or bowel control requires urgent medical attention.
Pinpointing the Source Before We Treat It
Your visit begins with a thorough history followed by specific orthopedic and neurological tests. These help the team distinguish between possible disc, joint, muscle and degenerative causes. If you have an MRI, they’ll review it alongside your exam, because a patient is more than their imaging.
Care starts conservatively when appropriate, with options such as chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work and home exercises. For certain disc-related cases, Lifeway Chiropractic and Wellness also offers nonsurgical spinal decompression using Back On Trac and Triton DTS systems. If another provider is a better fit, you’ll get an honest referral.
Realistic Timelines for Getting Your Stride Back
Recovery time depends on what’s causing your symptoms and how long they’ve been present. The team generally looks for signs within the first month that care is moving in the right direction. Some muscle or joint-related problems may respond sooner, while disc healing can take considerably longer, sometimes 12 to 18 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need surgery for a herniated disc causing sciatica?
How long does sciatica take to go away?
How can I reduce the chance of another flare-up?
Sit, Drive, and Play With Less Interruption
Whether you miss a comfortable car ride or a full round of golf, finding out what may be behind your leg pain is a good place to start. Contact us today to book a sciatica evaluation.
