The back is responsible for carrying everything we do throughout the day. Because of the pressure often at the base of our spines, it is common to aggravate the sciatic nerve. This can cause pain that travels from the lower back down the back of the leg. At Marranca Chiropractic, in Exeter, PA, Dr. Mary Ellen Marranca offers treatments that can help relieve the problems being caused by sciatica.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is the pain caused by an injury to the sciatic nerves, which emerge from the spine and the lower back and travel down each leg into the foot. Depending on the severity of the injury, the pain can range from mild and local in the back to severe and traveling all the way down the nerve. The pain can be sharp, burning, or be an electric jolt. Tingling or numbness are also possibilities.
Sciatica is often caused by a herniated disc or bone growth putting pressure directly on the sciatic nerve. The more direct the pressure, as well as the longer it is applied, the more severe the symptoms will be.
In many cases, the pinch to the sciatic nerve is temporary. When this is the case, the symptoms will relieve themselves in time. For more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. When surgery is overkill, chiropractic care is an option.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help Treat Sciatica?
Chiropractors study the musculoskeletal system. Since sciatica is caused by a skeletal issue, chiropractors are excellent at understanding and treating sciatica. There are several options available that can overlap to help treat the sciatica from multiple angles. This can include massage therapy to help with the inflammation and spinal alignment to help ensure the vertebrae and discs are exactly where they are supposed to be - not pressing on the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica can lead to a loss of daily function and the ability to enjoy your hobbies. If you have any questions about whether or not we can help treat your sciatica, call Marranca Chiropractic at (570) 654-5152 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mary Ellen Marranca and begin your path to wellness today!