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Conditions We Treat – Sciatica

Oak Brook Medical Group

Sciatica Pain Treatment in Oak Brook, IL

Sciatica is a condition that will affect 1–5% of the population at some point in their lives, although it is more prevalent in those over the age of 30. Sciatica is a form of lower back pain that radiates down the leg. The intensity can range from a dull ache to a sharp pain or burning sensation. The severe pain associated with sciatica can be debilitating, limiting a person’s ability to move with ease and perform daily activities.

If you’re dealing with sciatica, our team of experts at Oak Brook Medical Group can help you achieve pain relief with natural treatment methods and restore your ability to move freely. 

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What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition in which the sciatic nerve – the largest nerve in the body that runs from the lower back down through the buttocks and into each leg – becomes irritated, compressed, or pinched. This can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the lower back, buttocks, and legs.

The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc, which is a bulging or ruptured spinal disc that puts pressure on the nerve roots inside the spinal canal. Other causes of sciatica include spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and injury to the lumbar spine.

What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica?

The most telltale sign of sciatica is pain that radiates through the lower back and down into the buttocks. Sometimes this feeling is characterized as a numbing or tingling sensation, maybe even a burning feeling. If the pain extends down the buttocks, it can be felt in the back of the thigh or in the hip. Oftentimes, sciatica makes walking difficult or painful. Additionally, if you only find relief in lying down, you might have sciatica.

Some common sciatica symptoms include:

  • Sharp, shooting pain down one or both legs.
  • Tingling or numbness in the legs.
  • Weakness in the legs.
  • Difficulty moving the legs.
  • Burning sensation in the lower back.
  • Constant pain in one side of the buttocks.
  • Pain that worsens with extended sitting or standing.

How Is Sciatica Diagnosed?

Sciatic pain is indicative of an underlying cause. When you visit a chiropractor and spine specialist at Oak Brook Medical Group, they will perform a physical exam to evaluate your symptoms and determine the root cause. They may use imaging tests such as an X-ray to get a better look at the area.

Sciatica Q & A

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The spinal nerve might be affected by:

  • Herniated or bulging discs
  • Misaligned lumbar discs
  • Neuropathies (such as diabetes)
  • Pregnancy and childbirth
  • Piriformis syndrome
  • Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
  • Spinal tumors

How Can a Chiropractor Help With Sciatica?

A chiropractor uses a variety of hands-on techniques and alternative therapies to naturally treat sciatica pain. These techniques help reduce pain and inflammation associated with sciatica. Common treatments for relieving sciatic nerve pain include:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments
  • Spinal Manipulation
  • Physical Therapy
  • Massage Therapy
  • Trigger Point Injections
  • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

How Long Does Sciatica Last?

Most of the time, sciatica is a short-term problem that improves within a few days to a few weeks with treatment. However, some symptoms of sciatica may be long-term or chronic. This can occur if the underlying cause is not addressed or if it is caused by an ongoing condition such as degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis. As a result, the pain may last for several months or even longer. Chronic conditions require continuing sciatica treatment and management.

What Are The Risk Factors For Developing Sciatica?

Anyone can develop sciatica; however, some individuals may be more prone to the condition due to certain risk factors. These risk factors include:

  • Age: People between the ages of 30 and 50 are more likely to have problems with their sciatic nerve and other spinal nerves.
  • Physical Job: Individuals with physically demanding jobs that involve heavy lifting or repetitive twisting are more likely to injure their lower back and develop sciatica.
  • Sedentary Job: Prolonged sitting can lead to poor posture, low back pain, and compressed nerves.
  • Being Overweight: Obesity can put extra pressure on the spine, increasing the risk of sciatica.
  • Diabetes: Diabetes can damage your nerves, leading to sciatic pain.

It is important to note that in some cases, there may be no clear cause for sciatica.

How To Prevent Sciatica?

Preventing sciatica can be challenging, as the condition might be caused by a variety of factors. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing sciatica:

  • Exercising regularly to strengthen the muscles in your back, legs, and core.
  • Practicing good posture when sitting, standing, and moving.
  • Avoiding activities that involve heavy lifting or repetitive motions.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the spinal cord.
  • Taking regular breaks from prolonged sitting or standing.
  • Quitting smoking to reduce inflammation in the body.
  • Getting regular chiropractic adjustments to keep your spine in alignment.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the progression of sciatica and reduce the risk of permanent nerve damage.

Services we Offer

Physical Therapy

A specific injury or surgery recovery can be easy to identify and treat, but oftentimes the aching in one

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Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy is used to increase range of motion, increase blood flow, relieve stress, decrease trigger

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Trigger Point Injection

Trigger points are discrete, focal, hyperirritable spots located in a taut band of muscle. The spots can

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Conditions We Treat – Chiropractic Care

Our doctors are trained in treating patients of all ages and backgrounds. It’s never too early to promote

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Viscosupplementation Injection

Viscosupplementation is a procedure in which a thick fluid called hyaluronate is injected

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Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

Platelet rich plasma is an autologous blood plasma that is enriched with platelets. Plasma refers to the

Learn More Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection syringes