We are specialists in treating lower back disc herniations, bulges, and sciatica!
We understand that the back and leg pain running down is a real debilitating thing! Everything from sleeping to sitting, to picking up objects just hurt!
We have treated thousands of lower back injuries just like yours and we are here to help. We know the road and we see about 96% of these injuries get better in 3-4 months or less! Because we have seen so many of these injuries, we know exactly what you need to do in order to get to the next level!
Listen, your pain is not something you have to live with! You have two options when working with us:
- Come see us in person and make an appointment
- Get our FREE Low Back Pain Relief Guide!
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to back pain caused by a problem with the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. When this nerve is injured or pressure is put on it, it can cause pain in the lower back that radiates to the hip, buttocks and one or both legs.
How do I know if I have Sciatica?
Sciatica is characterized by pain in the lower back that radiates down one or both legs. The pain is described as dully, achy, sharp, pins and needles or similar to electric shocks. Other symptoms associated with sciatica include burning, numbness, and tingling sensations. Sciatic nerve pain varies in intensity from mild to severe, and frequency may range from occasional to constant. The onset is generally gradual and not necessarily associated with a precipitating event.
Sciatica is also known as radiating or referred pain, neuropathy, or neuralgia.
What causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is usually caused by sciatic nerve compression. Nerve compression can happen for a variety of reasons. Here are the most common reasons: lumbar spine subluxation (misaligned vertebrae), herniated or bulging discs, pregnancy, and childbirth, tumors as well as non-spinal disorders; such as diabetes, constipation or sitting on one’s back pocket wallet. Another common cause of sciatica is piriformis syndrome.
Piriformis syndrome is named after the piriformis muscles that are located in the lower part of the spine which connect to the thigh bone and assist in hip rotation. The sciatic nerve runs beneath the piriformis muscle. This muscle is prone to injury from a slip and fall incident, hip arthritis, or a difference in leg length. These situations can cause cramping and spasms to develop in the piriformis muscle resulting in pinching the sciatic nerve and causing inflammation and pain. Sciatic nerve compression may result in the loss of feeling (sensory loss), paralysis of a single limb or group of muscles (monoplegia), and insomnia.
How do you diagnose Sciatica?
San Diego Sports Rehab treats sciatica DAILY, and is knowledgeable in this area. Since there are many disorders that cause sciatica, San Diego Sports Rehab will determine what is the root cause of your sciatica by taking a thorough patient history, physical and neurological exam. In some instances, diagnostic testing might be necessary; such as, an x-ray, MRI, CT scan, and/or electrodiagnostic test (electromyography). These examinations and tests help to detect possible contraindications to spinal adjustments and other chiropractic therapies.
How is Sciatica treated?
Our care at San Diego Sports Rehab is TRULY Different! We are non-invasive (non-surgical) and drug-free. We use a host of techniques to help reduce your lower back pain and this includes rehabilitation, soft tissue (muscle work), treatment, and various other approaches.
- Ice/Cold Therapies: An ice pack may be applied to the lower back for 15 minutes every few hours to help reduce associated muscle pain, muscle spasms, and sciatic nerve inflammation. It is important to wrap a thin towel around the ice pack to avoid putting the cold pack directly on the skin.
- Spinal adjustments (spinal manipulation): Spinal adjustments free restricted movement of the spine and help restore misaligned vertebrae to their proper position. Adjustments also help reduce nerve irritability responsible for causing inflammation, muscle spasms, pain and other symptoms related to sciatica. Spinal manipulation is proven to be safe, effective, and pain-free. This type of therapy sets chiropractors apart in the medical community.
- Rehabilitation is the BEST way to really get better and back to the activities you love. We have a specialized rehab protocol that is geared toward your exact condition and will be changed based on your progress, sports, activities, and current injury and fitness level.
The best care for sciatic pain is to schedule regular Chiropractic/Rehab appointments at San Diego Sports Rehab. This allows San Diego Sports Rehab to better detect and correct any spinal dysfunction that may be a source of sciatic pain. Call our office today to start living pain-free.