Relief for Sciatica
by: Dr Melissa Reinke, DC
Do you think you have Sciatica and want to be rid of it for good? I am a Calgary based Chiropractor with 10+ years experience treating this complicated symptom and I can help you find the relief you are looking for.
Sciatica is caused by the compression or irritation of the Sciatic Nerve- the largest and longest nerve in your body. Symptoms include pain in the hips, glutes, back of the thigh, calf muscles and bottom of the foot; numbness or tingling down the back of the leg and into the sole of the foot; and cramping in the glutes and calf muscles. The pain is often described as sharp, shooting, or electric feeling but can also be accompanied by muscle aching. There can be a sensation of tightness, especially behind the knee and into the calf muscles. Typically, the pain will be worse after long periods of sitting. You may find that it's relieving to shake your leg or move your hip around.
I consider myself fortunate to have had A LOT of personal experience with low pain in my life... and yes, I say fortunate because it has made me a better practitioner. I understand what it's like to be limited by pain, not able to find a comfortable position, having your sleep affected, and missing out on the activities you love most. I've spent countless hours researching, taking continuing education courses, and learning from my patients so that I am able to offer you RELIEF FROM SCIATICA!
Causes of Sciatica:
- Piriformis Syndrome
- SI Joint Dysfunction
- Pelvic Muscle Imbalance (ex. Deep Gluteal Syndrome)
- Lumbar Disc Bulge or Herniation
- Spinal Stenosis
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Facet Joint Degeneration ie. Osteoarthritis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Pregnancy related Posterior Pelvic Pain Syndrome
As a Chiropractor, I regularly treat all of these conditions. Following a detailed history and assessment, I walk you through the findings, diagnosis, treatment plan and prognosis. I always offer options for care and respect your choice when it comes to the treatments you would like to include in your plan. I also like to provide you with a letter outlining my Report of Findings that you can share with your Medical Doctor and any other providers you see. This helps to ensure that your entire healthcare team is working together to provide you with the best care possible.
Treatment Options
The treatment for Sciatica is dependant on which of the above diagnoses is causing your pain. Furthermore, everyone has different compensation patterns, postural differences, and even breathing techniques. All of these things will impact which treatment is right for you.
Treatments include:
- Joint Manipulation or Mobilization
- Soft Tissue Therapy
- Dynamic Cupping
- Nerve Gliding
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
- Ergonomic Recommendations
- Education ex. Proper lifting
- Postural Corrections
- Breathing Assessment
- Contemporary Medical Acupuncture
Beyond the Initial Assessment and Treatments, I also offer Functional Assessments for those who are interested in a rehabilitation approach to care. This 60 minute appointment is a detailed examination that provides further insight into the underlying causes of your pain, and your specific compensation patterns. I consider this an add-on option. I always include exercise recommendations in my treatment plan but the Functional Assessment gives us the ability to be more specific. This is a great option for those who enjoy exercise and learning about their body.
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