Sciatica Treatment in Harrisburg

If one or more of your intravertebral discs bulge outward and compresses the radicular nerve root in the lower (lumbar) region of the back, you may suffer chronic pain, numbness and tingling throughout the lower half of the body. Lumbar radiculopathy also involves irritation of a part of the radicular nerve called the sciatic nerve. Your Harrisburg chiropractor may diagnose you with lumbar radiculopathy if you present the following symptoms:

• A "pins and needles" sensation spreading downward in the leg

• Difficulty walking due to weakness and pain in the leg and sometimes the feet

• Radiating pain in one buttock

• Intense pain that begins in the lumbar region of the back, reaches into the thighs and continues spreading down the leg

• Leg and/or buttock pain that worsens when you sit for even a short time

What Causes Sciatica?

In addition to herniated discs compressing the radicular/sciatic nerve, sciatica may be caused by any one of the following:

• Bone spurs associated with osteoarthritis

• Blood clots, abscesses or tumors impinging on the nerve

• Sitting for prolonged periods in positions that place pressure on nerves

• Scoliosis/back deformities

• Diabetes (interferes with blood flow to lumbar nerves)

• Lumbar spinal stenosis (diagnosed mostly in older patients)

Treatment for Lumbar Radiculopathy

Pain management of sciatica involves regular chiropractic adjustments and spinal decompression to realign vertebrae, restore proper positioning of intravertebral discs and remove pressure off the radicular/sciatic nerve. Healing of the nerves begins as soon as your Harrisburg chiropractor performs an adjustment or decompression procedure, followed quickly by relief of pain, numbness, and tingling.

In rare cases, noninvasive treatment of sciatica may not be effective. Signs of severe sciatica include progressive muscle weakness, incontinence, and limited mobility. Chiropractors may recommend a surgical alternative called a laminectomy for people who suffer debilitating symptoms of sciatica.

If you think you may have sciatica or suffer other types of musculoskeletal pain, please call Skocik Chiropractic in Harrisburg today at (717) 540-8448 to schedule an appointment.