Sciatica

Sciatica is a painful condition that occurs as the result of compression or other disturbances to the sciatic nerve, which originates in the spine and branches off into the buttock, thigh, leg, and foot. Each branch creates an individual root in these areas. The roots come together in the piriformis muscle, which is located in the buttocks. The resulting bundle is what is referred to as the sciatic nerve.

This area is extremely sensitive because problems affecting the bundle can affect any of the connected areas. Most often, compression occurs where the nerve exits the spine or in the piriformis muscle, however, it can occur anywhere within the system. One of the most common causes of compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve is disc injury.

The symptoms of sciatica can vary widely from person to person. Because the sciatic nerve is composed of numerous individual roots, problems in specified areas but not in others can greatly impact the exact type of symptoms you experience. In general, the most common symptoms of sciatica include:

• Pain in the lower back that may or may not radiate to the buttocks
• Numbness or tingling in one or both feet
• Pain in the thigh or leg that radiates from the buttock to the back of thigh, calf or foot
• Extreme skin pain and sensitivity that feels like a burning sensation
• Cramping in the thigh, leg or foot
• Leg, thigh or foot weakness
• Unusual lack of flexibility in the hamstring
• Unusual dropping of the foot that results in frequent tripping

Though leg pain is commonly associated with sciatica, there are other conditions that could be responsible. When you visit Denver Physical Medicine & Rehab for treatment of your leg pain, we will work to rule out sciatica, if possible. In many instances, other spinal problems such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis are the cause of leg pain. Regardless of the exact cause of your pain, we will use the most advanced diagnostic technology and treatment plans to eliminate your leg pain.

At Denver Physical Medicine & Rehab, we take a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to treating sciatica, aiming to not only alleviate symptoms but also address the root cause of your pain. Our treatments begin with a thorough evaluation using advanced diagnostic tools, such as imaging studies and physical assessments, to pinpoint the source of the sciatic nerve irritation.

Once we have a clear diagnosis, we create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific condition. Non-surgical spinal decompression is one of the core therapies we offer, which gently relieves pressure on the affected nerves, reducing pain and inflammation. This method promotes healing in the discs and nerves, helping to restore mobility and function.

In addition to spinal decompression, we incorporate a variety of other therapies, such as chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, massage therapy, and therapeutic exercises, all designed to improve flexibility, strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, and reduce future flare-ups. We may also utilize trigger point therapy or steroid injections to further manage inflammation and pain.

Our holistic approach ensures that we treat the underlying cause of sciatica rather than simply masking the pain, helping you achieve long-term relief and improved quality of life. Throughout your treatment, our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you, adjusting your care plan as needed to ensure optimal results.

When you choose us for your Denver sciatica treatment, you will have access to a comprehensive team made up of chiropractors, medical doctors, and Denver physical therapists. We are dedicated to diagnosing the cause of your pain and helping you through the entire treatment and recovery process. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, please contact us.