Sciatica Specialist

If you suffer from lower back pain and it extends into your legs and feet, you may have sciatica. Though sciatica is common, without intervention and treatment, it can interfere with your ability to work, exercise, or spend time with loved ones. At Complete Performance Chiropractic, experienced chiropractor Dr. Eric Leitman and his team use holistic treatments to relieve sciatica pain. To make an appointment, call the office in St. Charles, Missouri, or click the online booking feature today.

Sciatica Q & A

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a painful condition characterized by sharp, shock-like sensations that travel down your lower back, over your buttocks, and into your legs and feet.

It occurs when your sciatic nerve –– the longest nerve in your entire body –– becomes compressed by a herniated disc or a bone spur.

Most cases of sciatica resolve on their own and respond to at-home treatments like ice and rest. If your symptoms persist, get worse, or interfere with your daily routine, contact the team at Complete Performance right away.

What are the symptoms of Sciatica?

If you have sciatica, it’s normal to experience sharp, burning sensations in your lower back, buttocks, hips, and legs. Often, the pain is worse when you cough, sneeze, or make a sudden movement.

As the condition gets worse, you might also experience tingling or numbness in your feet and toes that make it difficult to stand, walk, or maintain your balance.

Who is at Risk of Sciatica?
Anyone can experience sciatica, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
  • Being middle-aged or older
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Working a job that requires you to lift, twist, or carry objects
  • Sitting for long periods
You’re also more likely to experience sciatica if you have diabetes.
How is Sciatica Diagnosed?
To diagnose sciatica, your Elite Spine and Health Center provider reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, what they feel like, and if any activities like exercising or sitting for extended periods make them worse.
Next, they conduct a physical exam. During the exam, your provider tests your muscle strength and reflexes. They ask you to walk on your toes or heels and have you squat down and stand back up. These exercises tend to aggravate sciatica pain, so it helps confirm a diagnosis.
If your provider suspects your symptoms are due to a herniated disc or a bone spur, they might also order diagnostic imaging tests, like X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan.
How is Sciatica Treated?
Treatment of sciatica depends on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms, your age, and your medical history. The team at Complete Performance Chiropractic might recommend:
  • Spine and extremity adjustments
  • Sports rehabilitation
  • Nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy
  • The Graston® Technique manual therapy
  • Myofascial Release
  • E-stim
  • Therapeutic ultrasound
  • Intersegmental traction
  • Custom orthotics
  • Biofreeze® products
  • Dry needling
The goal of sciatica treatment is to relieve your pain and encourage your mobility.
To learn more about the various treatment options for sciatica, make an appointment with the team at Complete Performance Chiropractic. Book online or call the nearest office to request a consultation today.