Sciatica Treatment – Naples, FL
Relief from Sciatic Nerve Pain
If there’s a pain in your leg, then the problem may be in your back. Sciatica originates in your lower back or buttocks, but the pain often travels into one or even both legs. Some people experience a mild ache while others have pain that is only alleviated with bed rest. The discomfort can be occasional, frequent, or constant, and there are other symptoms, too, such as a burning sensation, numbness or tingling. Dr. Wills uses chiropractic adjustments and other versatile options for sciatica treatment in Naples. FL. Several visits to our office may be necessary, but the outcome is relief and the ability to return to normal daily activities.
Why Choose Wills Chiropractic for Sciatica Treatment?
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Low Patient Volume for
One-on-One Attention -
20+ Years of Clinical
Experience -
Patients of All
Ages Welcome
What Causes Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve starts in your lower back and runs through your buttock and then down to your foot. It is the longest and widest nerve in the body and connects leg skin and muscle to the nervous system.
Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve is compressed. This condition is not a disorder, but is the result of a disorder such as:
- Lumbar spine subluxations
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Pregnancy or childbirth
- A tumor
Other disorders not connected to the spine may also contribute to sciatica including diabetes, constipation or sitting on a wallet stored in your back pocket.
Piriformis Syndrome and Sciatica
The piriformis muscle begins at the lower part of your spine and connects to the thighbone. The sciatic nerves lies underneath this muscle. Your pirformis may be injured in a fall or as a result of arthritis or a difference in the length of your legs. In this case, the muscle may cramp or spasm, which can pinch the sciatic nerve and cause pain.
Diagnosing Sciatica
Dr. Wills will first find the cause of your sciatica. A correct diagnosis is essential to forming a chiropractic treatment plan. He’ll review your medical history and conduct a complete physical and neurological exam. Your diagnosis may also include x-rays, an MRI, CT scan or nerve conduction.
Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica
Depending on what Dr. Wills finds is causing your sciatica, a number of different treatment modalities may be prescribed including:
- Spinal adjustments to reduce nerve irritability that leads to inflammation, muscle spasm, pain, and sciatica’s other symptoms
- Ice therapy to reduce inflammation and control the pain associated with sciatica
- Therapeutic exercises to strengthen the muscles along the spine as well as the piriformis muscle that surrounds the sciatic nerve
- Spinal decompression to take pressure off of bulging or herniated discs in order to deliver pain relief and healing
Sciatica Treatment FAQs
Check out our responses to some of the most commonly asked questions below. If you have others or need more clarification about sciatica treatment in Naples, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
The Pain Went Away. Do I Still Need Chiropractic Treatment?
At first, having pain go away may seem like a good thing! However, it may not necessarily mean that your troubles are over. Even if your sciatic pain subsides temporarily, it can come back if the underlying cause hasn’t been identified and treated. Whether it’s a spinal misalignment issue or an injury, chances are you’ll need an adjustment to correct the cause. Working with Dr. Wills will ensure that you find real, lasting relief and maintain function in your daily life.
What Should I Avoid Doing to Reduce Sciatica Pain?
Although sciatica can result from accidental injuries or other circumstances that may be outside your control, there are some things that can make sciatica pain worse, including the following:
- Poor posture when you sit or walk.
- Extended periods of sitting.
- Eating foods high in saturated fats, which increases inflammation.
- Long strides or walking at an excessively fast pace.
- Being sedentary.
- Improper form during exercise or excessive strain during exercise.
If you avoid these actions, the pain can be minimized until you come to see Dr. Wills.
How Can I Prevent Sciatica Pain in the Future?
To stop future sciatic problems, you should maintain a healthy lifestyle through moderate exercise, stretching, and proper posture. Although avoiding potential scenarios where your sciatic nerve could become compressed can keep your risk to a minimum, the best way to stop sciatica pain is to continually visit Dr. Wills for adjustments. By keeping your spine and other joints aligned as they should be and addressing small subluxations before they cause you pain, you decrease the chances of reinjury.
What Position Is Best If I Have Sciatica Pain?
When you have pain emanating from the sciatic nerve, there are a couple of positions you can take to get some relief at home. Most commonly utilized is lying down on your back, but if you spend substantial time in this same position, the relief may be only temporary. If possible, try to alternative standing, sitting, and lying down at regular intervals. Instead of enduring the back pain in Naples, you should call our office and schedule an appointment as soon as possible to enable you to have more range of motion and comfort.