Struggling with Sciatica in Indianapolis IN?

The nerve compression that causes sciatica originates in your lower back, but often the worst pain is in your buttock and leg. If you have symptoms of sciatica in Indianapolis IN, board-certified chiropractor Jeffry Yoder D.C. of Meridian Chiropractic Clinic can help. Dr. Yoder has considerable experience in using chiropractic techniques to treat sciatica, including advanced computerized manipulation. For relief from the agony of sciatica, call Meridian Chiropractic Clinic today or book an appointment online.

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What is sciatica in Indianapolis IN?

Sciatica develops when the large sciatic nerve comes under pressure from the structures in the lowest part of your spine. The condition causes a shooting or electric shock-type pain that travels from your lower back, through your hip or buttock, and down one leg.

The sciatic nerve has two branches, with one going down each leg. While it's possible to get sciatic pain in both legs, most people experience it on one side only. Other possible sciatica symptoms include:

• Tingling sensations in your leg
• Difficulties controlling leg movements
• Weakness or numbness in one leg
• Pain that worsens when you sit down

These symptoms could go part of the way down your leg or all the way to your foot, where the sciatic nerve ends.

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Why would I have sciatica?

The nerve compression that triggers sciatica has several possible causes, including:

• Spinal subluxations
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Arthritis
• Bone spurs
• Obesity
• Pregnancy

Insufficient exercise, sleeping on a worn or poor quality mattress, and wearing high heels can all increase your risk of sciatica and make the condition worse.

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How is sciatica diagnosed?

Some less-common conditions cause similar symptoms to sciatica, so it's important to get an accurate diagnosis for your pain. Dr. Yoder carries out a thorough physical exam and asks you to move your legs and back in certain ways so he can assess your range of motion.

You might also need to undergo one or more diagnostic imaging tests, for example, an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI, so Dr. Yoder can see what's going on in your spine.

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How is sciatica treated?

To treat sciatica successfully, Dr. Yoder needs to realign your spine and remove whatever's compressing the sciatic nerve. He can do this with his hands using precise manual adjustments, but he also offers a cutting-edge alternative.

ProAdjuster is a computerized chiropractic device that assists Dr. Yoder when he's treating spinal conditions. The device targets misaligned vertebrae with the utmost precision and then delivers a fast thrust that feels like a tap.

Using ProAdjuster, Dr. Yoder can deliver the most accurate treatment at a speed that doesn't give your muscles time to tense up. Once the spine is in its correct alignment, physical therapy can help the tissues heal so you recover fully from your sciatica.

To benefit from the latest in chiropractic techniques as well as Dr. Yoder's expertise in resolving sciatica, call Meridian Chiropractic Clinic today or book an appointment online.