Effective Sciatica Treatment at Axis Chiropractic, P.A.

Sharp pain traveling from the lower back or buttock into the leg is often described as sciatica. Some people experience pain, while others notice burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness. Symptoms can make sitting, driving, walking, working, and even sleeping uncomfortable.

At Axis Chiropractic, we evaluate and treat patients with sciatica and related lower-back and leg symptoms in New Ulm and surrounding Southern Minnesota communities.

Walk-ins are welcome during business hours, and same-day appointments are often available.

Sciatica isn't a specific diagnosis. It describes a pattern of symptoms associated with irritation or compression of nerve roots that contribute to the sciatic nerve.

Symptoms typically affect one side and may travel from the lower back or buttock into the thigh, lower leg, or foot.

Common symptoms include:

• Sharp or aching leg pain
• Burning discomfort
• Numbness or tingling
• Buttock pain
• Lower-back pain
• Symptoms that worsen while sitting or driving
• Weakness in the affected leg in some cases

Interestingly, leg symptoms can sometimes be much more noticeable than the actual lower-back pain.

One of the more common causes of sciatica is irritation of a spinal nerve associated with a bulging or herniated disc. Age-related changes and narrowing around a nerve can also contribute.

Symptoms can sometimes begin following lifting, repetitive physical work, an injury, or other activity that aggravates the lower back.

However, not every pain traveling into the buttock or leg is true sciatica. Problems involving muscles, joints, hips, and other structures can produce similar symptoms.

Determining where the symptoms are coming from is therefore an important part of deciding how they should be treated.

Sitting can be particularly uncomfortable for some people with sciatica.

Office workers, truck drivers, equipment operators, and others who remain seated for long periods may notice increasing leg discomfort throughout the day. Some people also have difficulty getting out of a chair after sitting or notice symptoms during longer drives.

Understanding which positions and activities aggravate or relieve your symptoms provides useful information during your examination and can help guide treatment and activity recommendations.

Treatment depends on what's producing the symptoms.

Your evaluation includes your history, neurological and musculoskeletal examination findings, activities, work demands, and the location and behavior of your symptoms.

When chiropractic care is appropriate, treatment may include adjustments, soft tissue treatment, exercises, and recommendations for modifying aggravating activities.

Our goal is to reduce irritation, improve comfortable movement, and help you return to work and everyday activities.

Pain, numbness, or tingling traveling into one leg should be evaluated when it persists, repeatedly returns, or begins interfering with normal activities.

Seek prompt medical attention for progressive or significant leg weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness around the groin or saddle area, or significant symptoms involving both legs. These can indicate a more serious neurological problem requiring immediate medical evaluation.

Axis Chiropractic has served New Ulm and surrounding Southern Minnesota communities for more than 40 years. We provide individualized conservative care for patients experiencing sciatica, lower-back pain, and related leg symptoms.

Most importantly, we don't assume every case of leg pain is sciatica. Identifying the likely source of your symptoms comes first.

Walk-ins are welcome during normal business hours, and appointments are available for patients who prefer to schedule ahead.

Call 507-359-9580 or schedule online to get started.