Sciatica Treatment in West Des Moines, IA

Comprehensive Consultation and Exam

A comprehensive consultation is where the doctor will get to know you and what you’re going through. They’ll want a complete health history to better understand how your current condition came about. They’ll then perform a thorough examination with orthopedic and neurological testing, postural analysis, and X-rays if needed. The consultation and exam create a clear picture from which the doctor can design an effective sciatica treatment plan individualized to the needs of each patient. Rather than chase symptoms, chiropractors aim to address the underlying cause of sciatic pain to achieve long-lasting results.

Custom Therapeutic Exercise

The therapeutic exercise involves using specialized equipment to specifically target your muscles and lower back. Therapeutic exercise will help relax those muscles and reduce their level of tension. It reduces sciatic pain, improves flexibility, decreases the risk of injury, and increases your range of motion. A physical therapist specializing in rehabilitation or a chiropractor experienced in custom therapeutic tables can perform this exercise.

The spine and muscles in your back depend on each other to work correctly. Once you have been treated, following a series of exercises designed for you is crucial. These exercises will help keep your muscles and the spine active and flexible. It will reduce the risk of those severe strains and tears to the forces that can lead to even more sciatic pain and nerve damage in your lower back.

Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression, also known as spinal decompression therapy, is a safe and effective way to reduce pressure on nerve roots. It involves stretching the spine and relieving pressure on pinched or herniated discs. Decompressing the spinal discs reduces inflammation, relieves pressure on the nerves, encourages blood flow, improves oxygenation to the discs, and removes toxins and fluids from the disc space.

Deep Tissue Laser

Deep tissue laser therapy is a soft tissue treatment that uses light to treat severe pain and inflammation. It is a painless and non-invasive way to help reduce the pain directly from the nerve root. It is an effective treatment to relieve sciatica pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate healing.

Laser is an advanced technique that uses light energy to treat nerves and tissues in the body. It helps restore its function by stimulating nerve growth factors, which keeps your muscles and bones healthy, supple, and flexible. It is also safe to use during pregnancy or for sensitive skin

Herniated Lumbar Discs

A herniated lumbar disc occurs when the intervertebral disc loses water, and the inner material escapes its position between two vertebrae. It compresses nearby tissues or irritates nearby nerve roots. The nerve roots supply feeling and movement sensations to your legs, arms, and other lower body parts. As a result, one or more of these nerves are injured and will respond by producing the symptoms of this condition.

Degenerative Disc Disease

It is a common condition that leads to spinal degeneration. As the packing and spongy material inside the disc deteriorate, the disc space between the vertebrae becomes smaller. That means less room for nerves to pass through there. It also means more pressure on these nerves when they move around your spine. It can lead to friction and pinching with these nerves, ultimately leading to the symptoms of this pain.

Spinal Stenosis

The spinal cord travels through the vertebrae and out to the body, controlling all aspects of function. When the interior channel begins to narrow, it doesn’t allow enough room for the bundle of nerves to pass through. These nerves become irritated and can trigger sciatica symptoms of shooting pain, muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling.

Muscle Strain or Spasm

Muscle strain or spasm is a common cause of sciatica symptoms. It happens when a nerve root becomes compressed or injured. For example, if you twist your lower back while lifting something, this will stretch the nerve root in that area. This injury can cause these symptoms in the legs, buttocks, and lower back.

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SI Joint Pain)

The sacroiliac joint is the joint that connects your spine to your pelvis. It comprises five small bones and has a limited range of movement. If damaged and inflamed, it can cause sciatic nerve pain in the lower back and buttocks. It is most commonly caused by osteoarthritis but can also occur due to tight hip flexors, tight hamstrings, and poor posture.