Sciatica Treatment in Madison, WI

Understanding Sciatica

Most of our patients with sciatica experience pain on just one side of the body. Discomfort begins once the sciatic nerve, which is the biggest human nerve, undergoes compression. This nerve arises in the lower portion of the spine, runs through the buttocks, travels down the back of the leg, and extends into the foot. A number of factors can cause sciatic nerve compression. These are the most frequent causes:



• Bone spurs
• Vertebral misalignment
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Repeated use of abnormal positions while seated



The most common symptom is pain that can develop at any point along the path of the sciatic nerve. Our patients describe varying degrees of frequency and severity. Additional symptoms include:



• Pins and needles sensations
• Feelings resembling an electrical shock
• Loss of feeling
• Insomnia
• Muscle or limb paralysis

Chiropractic Treatment Options

The goal of chiropractic therapy is treating the disorder responsible for discomfort instead of merely treating pain patients with sciatica experience. Our patients report less pain, reduced inflammation, and better flexibility after treatment. Chiropractic therapy also allows them to become more physically active while experiencing a greater range of motion.

An initial consultation with our doctor includes a comprehensive physical exam, a review of the individual’s health history, and an assessment of complaints and symptoms. In some cases, X-ray, CT, or MRI imaging helps determine the source of sciatic nerve compression.

Following diagnosis, each patient receives a personalized treatment plan. It sometimes includes more than one type of therapy. Which combination is most appropriate for you depends on what is causing the nerve compression. However, the main therapy we use is chiropractic adjustments to move vertebrae back to the correct position in the spine.