SCIATICA SPECIAL REPORT

Everything You Need to

Know About Sciatica

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  

 

Thank you for requesting the “Sciatica Special Report.” The American Medical Information Association which sent you this report was founded to provide patients with the critical information they need to make informed choices when seeking a physician.  Dr. Shelby Glazer who co-authored this report, is a founding member of the American Medical Information Association and a Senior Editor for the Chiropractic Section. 

 

  If you or a loved one is suffering from Sciatica,

Call Dr. Glazer for an appointment

at 248-353-BACK (2225)

Don’t delay. Early treatment means 

earlier relief and faster healing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

 

Q. What is Sciatica?

 

 A.  Sciatica is a condition that causes pain, numbness and/or tingling into the buttocks and legs.  Sciatica gets its name from the sciatic nerve, which starts from the lumbar spine (low back) and travels down the buttock into the legs.  Pain and symptoms generally present themselves along this pathway.  Pain that travels is sometimes referred to as radiating pain, radiculitis, or radiculopathy.  Sciatica is often present with low back pain. 

 

 

Q.  What Causes Sciatica?

 

A.  Anything that causes compression or irritation to the sciatic nerve can cause Sciatica.  For example:  A herniated disc in the low back, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal cord), and even muscle spasms such as piriformis syndrome can causes sciatic pain.   

 

Q.  What are Sciatica Symptoms?

 

 

A.  Many of my patients use the following words to describe their sciatica symptoms:

leg pain                           buttock pain

leg numbness                         leg tingling

pins and needles             numbness in leg

numbness in buttock             leg soreness

weak leg                                 pain in butt

pain when sitting           shooting leg pain

burning leg pain 

  If any of these sound familiar to you, you may have sciatica.

 

 

 Q.  How do I treat Sciatica? A.  Most sciatica conditions will clear up within 2-3 weeks on their own.  If the condition continues past 3 weeks or gets progressively worse, it’s a good idea to get it checked out by your Chiropractor right away.  A proper diagnosis is the first step in treating Sciatica. 

 

  Here are some non-surgical treatment options:

 

·       Chiropractic Adjustments – considered one of the most effective treatments for sciatica.  Realigns the spinal bones to take pressure off the sciatic nerve.

 

·       Ice/Heat – Can be very helpful especially in the beginning stages of Sciatica.  20 minutes on/20 minutes off is advised. Try ice first to reduce inflammation around the sciatic nerve.

 

·       Stretching/Exercise – helps mobilize joints and reduces muscle spasms that may be causing pressure on sciatic nerve.  Piriformis stretch is especially effective for women.

 

·       Epidural Steroid Injections – helps reduce inflammation in more severe cases.

 

·       Pain medications or NSAIDs - can give some temporary relief but usually do not fix the problem.

 

·       Physical Therapy – can also help mobilize joints and muscles.

 

  This article does NOT advise taking medications without an evaluation from your doctor.  Please consult with a physician before taking any medication.

 

Get help immediately if you are experiencing loss of bladder or bowel, weakness in buttocks or legs, or numbness and tingling into legs and feet.  These symptoms can lead to permanent damage if not addressed.

 

 Q.  What should I expect from my Chiropractor?  

 

A.  An initial visit to our office will always begin with a warm welcome.  A thorough history will be reviewed with the Doctor to determine the patient’s chief complaints, symptomatic review, and current and past health issues.  An examination will then follow, checking range of motion, muscle and bone palpation, and any necessary orthopedic or neurological tests.  X-rays will also be taken when warranted.  Before performing any treatments, we take great pride in a explaining the x-rays findings, diagnosis, and if the condition can be helped with Chiropractic care.   

 

If you are looking for an answer to your health problems

 

without the use of drugs and surgery, Call Dr. Glazer for an appointment at  

 

248-353-BACK (2225)  During your consultation, Dr. Glazer will personally answer any questions or address any concerns you may have. “We’ll come in early or stay late to help you or a loved one get the relief you need. We have a special offer to assure your initial visit with us is “pain free.” Mention this article when you check in and our staff will give you a $200 New Patient Office Credit which will cover the full amount of your consultation and exam fee.”

 

Warmly,

 

Dr. Shelby Glazer 

The information provided in this report is provided as a public service. While the information in this report represents the most current information and the highest medical standard of practice at the time of the release of this report, no one should rely solely on the information in this report when making an important medical decision.

 

Each reader should make an appointment with a Board Certified Chiropractor to discuss your medical problems.

 

The request of this report does not create a physician-patient relationship with Dr. Glazer. A physician-patient relationship will only exist when you meet with Dr. Glazer in his office.