What is Sciatica and How Can it be Treated?

Sciatica is a frequent diagnosis and extremely common occurrence; however, it is technically not a condition but rather a set of symptoms.  The difference between sciatica and other types of lower back pain is in the fact that sciatica is a direct consequence of trauma to the sciatic nerve, which is the largest single nerve in the body.  Other types of back pain can originate elsewhere in the body under a number of different conditions.

Sciatica originates in the hip/lower back area and may progress down the buttocks, thighs, and legs, usually only one side of the body.  Cases where sciatica is present on both sides are extremely rare.  Patients experiencing sciatica usually experience constant low back pain that can vary in intensity depending on the severity of impingement on the sciatic nerve.  A number of factors can cause injury to the sciatic nerve, such as trauma from a fall or accident, herniated discs, or a pinched nerve stemming from poor posture, lack of physical activity, or unsafe heavy lifting.

When the sciatic nerve is irritated, it emits a sensation that is usually felt in the form of sharp, shooting pains.  If the nerve is not promptly relieved of the condition causing excessive pressure, this pain will radiate down the length of the nerve and may become so severe as to impair the patient’s normal range of motion and daily activities, including walking, sitting, exercising, and working.  The best and most efficient way to correct sciatica is through chiropractic adjustments to alleviate the sciatic nerve of disproportionate pressure and restore natural alignment to the spine and discs.  Adjustments, as well as computer-assisted spinal decompression for more complex cases of sciatica, are non-surgical, safe, and painless treatments that are immediately effective in the vast majority of cases and do not require additional recovery time.  Surgery is usually not recommended for the treatment of sciatica and is reserved for exceptionally advanced cases where the patient would not respond to non-surgical therapies.

Dr. Steven Shoshany is a specialist in non-surgical treatment of sciatica in NYC, and has successfully provided long-term pain relief to thousands of patients using his patented spinal decompression treatment protocols in combination with chiropractic adjustments.  Additionally, Dr. Shoshany’s state-of-the art physical rehabilitation facility in New York City offers supplementary treatments including Active Release Techniques® (ART), Graston Technique®, customized physical therapy, medical massage therapy, pain management, and acupuncture.  For additional information on Dr. Shoshany’s non-surgical sciatica treatment options, please visit www.drshoshany.com or call 212-645-8151.