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Sciatic Leg Pain

A number of patients who visit our Doral FL chiropractic clinic struggle with sciatica.

April 15, 2021

A number of patients who visit our Doral FL chiropractic clinic struggle with sciatica. Learn the facts about sciatica and it may help you understand your pain. The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the human body, emerging from the spine in the lower back. It also runs through the buttock region, and all the way to the lower leg, where it functions to control the muscles in that region.

The sciatic nerve functions to provide sensation to the entire lower region of the body, including your thighs and legs, and extending to the soles of your feet. If for any reason this nerve becomes irritated or inflamed, the pain that is caused is known as sciatica. Sciatica references the numerous symptoms that are directly associated with the irritation of the sciatic nerve but do not indicate the source.

Sciatic Symptoms in Doral FL

The most common symptom of sciatic nerve irritation is when the pain flows consistently along the pathway of the nerve, especially when the pain is persistent on only one side of the body. There are considerable ways in which this pain can be experienced. Patients may experience a tingling sensation as well as aching or burning. The type of pain is often associated with the exact location of the irritation. It is possible that a patient suffering from sciatica will feel like they are being poked with pins and needles in their lower extremities, accompanied by weakness in the leg or foot of the affected nerve.

As a general rule, sciatica develops slowly and progressively, rarely beginning with intense pain. The pain is normally exacerbated by long sitting sessions, bending, sneezing, or coughing, as well as sudden movements.

Diagnosing Sciatica

The diagnosis of sciatica begins with your physician. Your physician will be able to take into consideration your medical history as well as evaluate your descriptions of the pain. It will also be necessary for you to undergo a complete neurological examination that will place an emphasis on your legs and spine. This includes the assessment of your sensory strength as you perform certain activities, allowing the doctor to assess your reflexes, muscle strength, and any pain that may be caused by certain movements.

Treatment Options

In most cases, a conservative approach such as chiropractic care can be highly effective. Because sciatica can be caused by a number of issues, the treatments will vary based on the cause. This will depend heavily on your chiropractor. The term “conservative” in this context refers to treatments that are not invasive, which excludes surgical procedures and medication. A chiropractic approach would be focused on eliminating or minimizing the pain by addressing any spinal issues, restoring normal movement and function, and subsequently reducing the irritation and inflammation.

Should you have any questions concerning sciatica, call our team today at Optimum Spine Chiropractic Center for help.

  • Sciatica
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About Optimum Spine

  • Chiropractic care can support people of different ages, lifestyles and stages of life, from those seeking relief or recovering from an injury to those who want to care for their mobility and well-being.

    Certain adjustments or techniques may not be appropriate in situations such as:

    Acute fractures Dislocations or joint instability Active infections affecting bones or joints Tumors or cancer affecting the spine or bone tissue Other medical conditions requiring prior evaluation or clearance

    In these cases, your safety comes first. If chiropractic care is not appropriate for you, we will tell you and guide you on the next step.

  • First, we want to understand what is happening with you.

    We begin with a conversation about your symptoms, health history and what you want to get back to doing or improve. Then we assess your posture, mobility and musculoskeletal function. When clinically indicated, we may request or perform imaging studies such as X-rays.

    This information helps us explain our findings, whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you and the next steps.

    The New Patient Special includes this initial evaluation.

  • In general, a chiropractic adjustment should not be painful. We use instrument-assisted techniques and gentle, controlled manual techniques selected for each patient’s needs, condition and comfort.

    Not everyone receives the same type of adjustment. Before we begin, we explain which technique we will use and why.

    Some people may experience mild, temporary soreness after a session, similar to how they feel after exercise.

  • There is no single frequency for everyone. It depends on your evaluation, your needs and the goals we agree on together.

    After your initial evaluation, we will explain our recommendations. If chiropractic care is appropriate for you, we will develop a plan with a visit frequency suited to your case.

    The plan is reviewed periodically and may change as your needs and progress change.

  • Care should always be adapted to the person and their stage of life.

    During pregnancy, we use specific techniques adapted to the changes in the mother’s body. For babies and children, the evaluation and techniques are also adapted to their age, development and individual needs.

  • Yes. Our doctors and front desk team speak English and Spanish fluently, so you can receive care in whichever language feels most comfortable.