How Do You Fix Sciatica in Both Legs?

Sciatica is a condition that can drastically affect the quality of life if left untreated. Sciatica, in simple terms, refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down the leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body, but it can, in some cases, afflict both legs. Understanding the ins and outs of sciatica can empower you to take proactive steps towards getting the right treatment and regaining control of your life.

Common Symptoms of Sciatica

The most common symptom of sciatica is pain that radiates from your lower spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg. This discomfort can range from mild aching to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating pain. Sometimes it may feel like a jolt or electric shock. It can be worse when you cough or sneeze, and prolonged sitting can aggravate symptoms.

Apart from pain, other common symptoms of sciatica include numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot. In some cases, you might experience pain in one part of your leg and numbness in another part. It's also common to feel pain on one side of your rear and have difficulty moving, standing, or walking due to a sharp pain sensation. Additionally, some people may experience hypersensitivity or have a sensation of pins and needles.


 

Causes of Sciatica

The occurrence of sciatica in both legs, although less common, is usually an indication of a more severe underlying condition. The primary cause of sciatica is a herniation or bulging of the lumbar discs that press on the sciatic nerve. However, other conditions can also lead to sciatica, such as spinal stenosis - a condition characterized by the narrowing of the spine, spondylolisthesis - a condition where one vertebrate slips over another, or even spinal tumors.

In some cases, sciatica in both legs could be a result of Piriformis Syndrome, where the piriformis muscle located in the buttock region spasms and causes sciatic nerve irritation. It's essential to remember that the underlying causes of sciatica can vary dramatically from person to person. Therefore, getting a correct diagnosis from a healthcare professional is critical to ensure the most effective treatment plan.


 

Role of Chiropractic Care in Treating Sciatica

Chiropractic care is a hands-on, drug-free treatment approach that includes patient examination, diagnosis, and treatment. Chiropractors are known to provide effective care for many different types of back pain, including sciatica. They use various therapeutic techniques to reduce inflammation, improve spinal movement, and reduce the overall pain experienced by sciatica patients.

Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulations, are a common treatment option for sciatica. These adjustments help to realign the spine, reducing nerve irritability responsible for causing inflammation, muscle spasm, pain, and other symptoms associated with sciatica. Chiropractors may also employ other treatment methods like ice/cold therapy, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), or ultrasound depending on the patient's specific needs.


 

Addressing Sciatica with Spinal Decompression

Another treatment option that has gained recognition for its effectiveness in dealing with sciatica is spinal decompression. This treatment method involves gently stretching the spine to change its force and position, ultimately relieving the pressure on the spinal discs.

During a spinal decompression session, you lie on a special table while a harness is fitted around your pelvis and trunk. The chiropractor then controls a computer, which applies a specific force to your spine, creating a negative pressure inside the discs. This negative pressure causes the herniated or bulging disc material to retract, taking pressure off the nerves and other structures in your spine. The process helps promote the movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disks, fostering healing.


 

Benefits of Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression offer several benefits for individuals suffering from sciatica. For starters, it is a non-invasive treatment, eliminating the risks associated with surgery such as infections or complications. It also offer a drug-free approach, reducing dependency on pain medications.

Spinal decompression helps alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve, leading to significant pain relief. Over time, these treatments can also promote a healthier spine, improving mobility, and overall quality of life. It can also prevent future occurrences of sciatica or reduce the severity of future episodes.


 

Begin Your Journey towards Alleviating Sciatica Discomfort Today

Living with sciatica in both legs can be challenging. But with the right understanding of the condition and effective treatment options like chiropractic care and spinal decompression, a sciatica-free life is attainable. It's essential to remember that each individual is unique and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it's crucial to work closely with a healthcare professional to develop a suitably tailored treatment plan.

To learn more on sciatica and how spinal decompression can help, visit Garmone Chiropractic in our Depew, New York office. Call (716) 668-5400 to schedule an appointment today.