Struggling With Sciatica in Andover MN?

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CAUSES OF SCIATICA?

Sciatica in Andover MN is caused by damage or irritation to the sciatic nerve. This can occur at a few different spots along the pathway of the sciatic nerve. It can occur from spinal misalignment (subluxation), disc herniations, or inflammation. It can also occur from tight muscles pinching the nerve in the buttock region or the back of the leg.

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WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS OF SCIATICA IN ANDOVER MN?

Sciatica is technically any pain that follows the pathway of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic is one of the largest nerves in the body. It begins in the lower part of the spine and pelvis. It then travels the buttock region and down the back of the leg to the heel and foot. The pain is commonly sharp or electric in nature.

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WHAT ARE THE TRADITIONAL TREATMENTS FOR SCIATICA?

The traditional treatments for sciatica include: ice packs, heating pads, over-the-counter pills (Tylenol, Advil, etc.), cortisone injections, nerve blocks, or spinal surgery. Unfortunately, some of these traditional treatments are very extreme and have major side effects. And they don't always fix the problem.

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WHAT TREATMENTS DO YOU OFFER TO PATIENTS STRUGGLING WITH SCIATICA?

At Essentials of Life Chiropractic our goal is to figure out what is actually CAUSING the sciatic pain. That way we can put together a treatment plan to actually fix the problem, rather than just try to cover up the pain and symptoms. And our treatments have little to no side effects.

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IS THE PROBLEM GONE WHEN THE PAIN GOES AWAY?

Think of pain as the "tip of the iceberg" concept. Pain is the small piece of the iceberg that is showing above water. The real problem is the enormous part of the iceberg that is below water.

When it comes to nerves, like the sciatic nerve, only a small portion processes pain. In other words, the sciatic nerve can be damaged or irritated without causing pain. This is why it is so important to have a treatment plan that addresses the full problem, instead of just masking the pain.

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WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WITH SCIATICA?

My suggestion to anyone with sciatica would be to have an evaluation in our office. This evaluation will determine if chiropractic can help you. If chiropractic can help, we will put together a treatment plan to fully fix the problem. If chiropractic cannot help, then we will assist you in finding the right healthcare professional for you.

Before you decide on having back surgery please contact Essentials of Life Chiropractic in Andover MN today. Our team will help you with an concerns you have. Back surgery can be a very permanent option. Please consider chiropractic care before you make that type of commitment.