Treatment of Sciatica in Littleton CO

Sciatica is a term whose true meaning is commonly misunderstood and is used to refer to a common form of low-back pain and leg pain. Sciatica refers to the set of symptoms, but it is not a diagnosis of what causes the irritation of the Sciatic nerve and the resulting pain. The term describes the continuous pain that is experienced along the pathway of the Sciatic nerve. The Sciatic nerve is the longest and widest in the human body. It stretches from the lower back, buttock, and lower leg. It is responsible for any sensation felt on the soles of the feet, legs, and thighs, and controls all the muscles in the lower leg.

Sciatica's most common symptom is the pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, from the lower back down to the sole of one foot. The most common symptom is a dull ache, mild tingling, or a burning sensation restricted to one side of the body. Other patients may report numbness, weakness, or even a pins-and-needle sensation in the affected leg. Patients may also experience pain along the Sciatic nerve's path that becomes worse when they make sudden movements such as sneezing and coughing, or when they bend or sit for long hours.

Sciatica Treatment in Littleton CO

The proper Sciatica treatment in Littleton CO requires that the exact source of the Sciatic nerve pain be known. Several exams must be performed on the patient to determine the source of the pain and irritation out of the many possible sources. The examination has to focus on lumbar bone, disc injuries, and joint degeneration. Other areas to focus on include pelvic muscle spasms and low back, as well as doing entrapment tests for the nerve where it passes through various muscles. Moreover, an X-ray or MRI may be taken to increase the accuracy of the diagnosis. Often, when disc movement is not causing Sciatica, the main cause is the condition known as the piriformis entrapment syndrome.

Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle entraps the sciatica nerve peripherally. That happens often, and it gets underdiagnosed and mistreated. The entrapment causes "pinching" on the sciatic nerve, leading to irritation and inflammation. That is what produces the sciatica symptoms.

A Littleton CO chiropractor that offers a quick and focused treatment using an accurate diagnosis can help to treat this condition effectively. The right treatment will be able to relieve the sciatic nerve irritation and pressure using the different options available. The treatment used will also depend on the source of the sciatic nerve irritation. Moreover, the various treatment options available are discussed with the patient, to help them make an informed decision.