The sciatic nerves begin in the lower back, travel down the back of each leg, and are the longest nerves in the body. The sciatic nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles which pertain to the lower leg and the back of the knees. When the sciatic nerve is irritated, inflamed, compressed, or damaged, one can experience sciatica, which is also known as sciatic nerve dysfunction or neuropathy of the sciatic nerve. Damage to the sciatic nerve can result in numbness, tingling, weakness, burning sensation, or sharp pain. If you are interested in learning more about chiropractic treatment that addresses sciatica, contact Dr. Michael Wilson at Kosak Chiropractic in Fairfield, CA.
What are the Symptoms of Sciatica?
Sciatica has a number of symptoms that can be debilitating to one's quality of life, including difficulty or weakness when bending the foot or knee, pain when lifting the leg, abnormal reflexes, and loss of sensation. Some patients may experience numbness or pain on the sole of the foot or back of the calf. The pain may increase at night, after sitting or standing, when straining, or when coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
Sciatic nerve pain can be felt in the legs, hips, lower back, and buttocks. Sciatica pain is related to pressure on the sciatic nerve and can feel like an electric shock or burning that travels down the affected leg. Patients with sciatica may experience paresthesia which feels like “pins and needles.” Sciatica left untreated can result in more severe symptoms including muscle weakness and urinary or fecal incontinence. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 40% of adults in the U.S. experience sciatica-related pain in their lifetime. For expert treatment for sciatica, contact Dr. Michael Wilson at Kosak Chiropractic in Fairfield, CA.
What are the Causative Factors of Sciatica?
Sciatica can be caused by a number of conditions including age-related osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, tumors or cysts, or Type-2 diabetes. Patients who are physically inactive, lack core strength, use poor posture when lifting objects, have previous injuries, or maintain excessive weight are at risk for developing sciatica. While sciatica is generally not a dangerous condition, pain from sciatica can reduce quality of life and make daily activities painful and difficult.
Chiropractic care is an excellent, holistic treatment for sciatica. If you live near Fairfield, CA, contact Dr. Wilson at Kosak Chiropractic for expert diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Wilson will conduct a comprehensive exam and assess any weaknesses in the body, difficulty walking or bending, and loss of sensation. Dr. Wilson will then recommend chiropractic treatment that can reduce inflammation, alleviate painful symptoms, and help the body facilitate its own healing. Make an appointment today. (707) 426-1111.