Sciatica Treatment in Lincoln, NE
Sciatica Specialist
Sciatica, or sciatic neuralgia, causes radiating pain along the sciatic nerve pathway. Sciatica pain starts in your lower back and branches out through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. According to our chiropractor in Lincoln, sciatica only attacks one side of your body in most cases. Less commonly, the condition is referred to as lumbar radiculopathy. When both legs are affected, the condition is called bilateral sciatica.
If you are suffering from sciatica, contact us today at our Novo Chiropractic Lincoln. Dr. Shane Davidson DC, a leading sciatica specialist, gives you access to some of the highest quality sciatica treatments in Lincoln, NE.
Symptoms Of Sciatica
Early symptoms of sciatica include lower back pain that radiates to your legs and/or feet. Other sciatica pain symptoms may include:
- Weakness in either of your legs, feet or lumbar spine
- Numbness or tingling in your lower limbs
- Burning sensation in either or both of your legs
- Pain that intensifies when sitting in certain positions
- Trouble moving your leg or foot
- Recurring pain in one side of the buttocks
- Jolting or shocking sensations in your limbs
- Difficulty standing up from seated position
Causes Of Sciatica
Sciatica is caused when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched by a herniated disc or bone spurs. However, there are other sciatica causes, including:
- Blood clots put pressure on the sciatic nerve
- Obesity, as additional weight, can increase pressure on the spine
- Neuropathy
- Tumors near the sciatic nerve
- Poor posture
- Piriformis muscle spasms
- Osteoarthritis
- Lack of exercise
- Degenerative disc disease
If you suffer from sciatica, you will most likely experience pain in your back, hips, buttocks, and lower extremities. Pain in your posterior thigh and hamstring pain is more common than pain in your lower extremities.
Long Term Problems Due To Untreated Sciatica
Sciatica should not be ignored, as doing so can lead to:
- Permanent nerve damage
- Difficulty with walking
- Chronic, progressive pain
- Muscle atrophy due to lack of use
- Abnormal gait, also known as foot drop
See Dr. Shane Davidson DC at Novo Chiropractic Lincoln clinic in Lincoln if you experience any of the early symptoms of sciatica neuralgia.
Temporary Pain Relief
There are some quick ways to relieve sciatica pain symptoms if you can’t see a doctor right away:
- Piriformis stretch to improve circulation
- Hamstring stretches to prevent tightness
- Alternating heating pads and ice packs
- Light exercise using pain as a guide
Sciatica Treatment In Lincoln, NE
The pelvic and lumbar spine are usually the areas that a sciatic issue will start from. This area of the spine is very complicated, and it can be difficult to locate the problem. Our team will be able to work with you to zero in on the source. From there, they will need to work with you to improve the position of the spine and discs.
Some patients say that all they did was bend over to pick up a piece of paper, and they were hit with extreme pain. They don’t understand how an easy task caused them so much pain. The reality is that their condition was probably developing over years of time, and that piece of paper just happened to be the last straw. Most spinal problems don’t happen overnight; they build up over years of time.
Here are some sciatica treatment options which include:
Supportive Care
- Ice packs and heat pads keep a log of changes and improvements
Medications
- NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin help in pain relief. Analgesic medications also help. Muscle relaxers can also be used to prevent tightening.
- Steroids and prescription nerve pain medication
Self Care
- Light aerobic exercise, maintaining an active lifestyle and avoiding movements that aggravate pain help in relieving scoliosis pain.
Therapies
- Physiotherapy for sciatica includes stretching, massage and exercise.
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic Treatment techniques, including cold therapy, ultrasounds to penetrate deep tissue, and spinal adjustments, can relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Medical Procedures
- Epidural steroid injections to decrease inflammation
- Prescription pain medications
- Physical therapy prescribed by the doctor
Other Treatment
- Laminectomy – removal of the vertebral lamina to relieve pressure
- Laminotomy – removal of part of the spine that may be causing pressure
- Microdiscectomy – removal of portions of herniated disc or discs that may be causing sciatica
Book An Appointment
Request an appointment online by calling us on (402) 817-7373
You can also use the online booking tool below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica Treatment
How Long Does It Take To Correct Sciatica?
Treatment length for sciatic pain can vary significantly from patient to patient. Some people respond very quickly, while others take more time to recover. It really depends on the condition of the disc or the joints that the chiropractor has to correct. In most cases, the longer the issue persists, the longer it will take to achieve correction. The great news is that it typically takes less time to fix an issue like this than it took to create it.
Is chiropractic care good for treating Sciatica?
Chiropractors are an excellent source for the relief and management of sciatica symptoms. If you are wondering, “How do I get my sciatic nerve to stop hurting?” our doctors are happy to give you a thorough evaluation and provide a variety of treatment options.Can sciatica go away permanently?
Acute sciatica can be cured in several weeks and may never come back, so it is possible to get rid of sciatica permanently. Some people suffer from chronic sciatica and have to deal with repeated bouts of pain and stiffness.What gets rid of sciatica?
For mild cases, pain medications and light exercise, and physical therapy may be enough to cure someone. In more severe cases, chiropractic care or medical surgeries may be needed to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.Can you recover from sciatica nerve damage?
If you have nerve damage, you are more likely to recover if you seek immediate medical attention. Depending on the severity, invasive procedures may be required, but it is possible to make a full recovery. If you ignore the symptoms, you risk permanent nerve damage.Does walking help sciatica nerve pain?
In mild cases of sciatica nerve pain, light exercise like walking may help to stretch out your muscles and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. Doctors will often recommend walking to keep your back and legs strong. In severe cases, however, too much walking can aggravate the pain.What is the best painkiller for sciatica?
Over-the-counter painkillers can be effective in moderate cases of sciatica. In severe cases, prescription painkillers or muscle relaxers may be prescribed but should only be used temporarily.Is sitting bad for sciatica?
Does drinking water help sciatica?
How should I lay with sciatica?
What should you not do with sciatica?
Does Medical Insurance Cover Sciatica Treatment?
Some providers cover treatment for sciatica. They may start with less invasive treatment such as medication or therapy before approving more complex options such as surgery. Check with your insurance company to see if sciatica treatment is covered.
