Sciatica Care in Johnston
For anyone who has felt that deep, radiating ache traveling from their lower back through the hips and down each leg, sciatica is an all-too-familiar pain. Whether you’re a busy professional, a new mom toting your toddler, or someone sitting for hours at a desk, sciatica can disrupt your days with sharp or persistent nerve pain that’s tough to ignore.
So, how does it differ from lower back pain? Unlike general lower back pain, sciatica often presents as tingling, numbness, or even weakness in the legs or feet caused by a pinched sciatic nerve. This compression can stem from a disc issue in the low back or a tight piriformis muscle in the gluteal region.
What to Expect
When you come into the practice for sciatica care, your first visit will start with an in-depth consultation with Dr. Giddings. We’ll discuss your health history, current symptoms, and specific concerns—like how long you’ve been experiencing pain and what makes it better or worse. This information helps us put together a complete picture of your condition.
Next, we’ll conduct a thorough physical exam, which includes the surface EMG scan to evaluate your nervous system, range of motion tests, orthopedic checks, and neurological assessments to evaluate nerve function.
To give us a more detailed look, we might recommend X-rays or other imaging if necessary. Based on your unique needs, we’ll then develop a personalized care plan to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, reduce inflammation, and work toward getting you long-term relief.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care targets the source of sciatica by reducing nerve pressure, calming the inflammation around the discs, and addressing muscle tension in the lower back or gluteal area. Dr. Giddings uses techniques like Gonstead, Thompson, and Activator, which are often used and tailored to each patient’s comfort level and response, making each treatment highly individualized. There are no cookie-cutter treatments here.
Our chiropractor also can provide physical therapy, specifically soft tissue work, to address sciatica.
How Long Does It Take to See Improvement?
Getting relief varies for each patient, with some noticing improvement in a few weeks while others may need a few months. For ongoing support, Dr. Gidding will prescribe some exercises, like targeted stretches and strengthening routines. These are tailored to each patient’s needs and lifestyle to prevent future flare-ups.
The Benefits of Chiropractic Over Pain Medication
Unlike pain medications that temporarily mask symptoms, chiropractic care targets the root cause, reducing the need for invasive surgery by resolving pressure on the sciatic nerve. By improving function and reducing pain long-term, chiropractic offers a more sustainable and natural approach to relief.
Get Relief and Reclaim Your Life
Take the first step toward lasting sciatica relief by scheduling an appointment at Chiropractic Health & Wellness Clinic. We want to help restore your comfort and mobility.