Sciatica Centennial, CO
- Spinal Decompression Care
- Relief Down the Leg
- No Drugs or Surgery
Sciatica follows its own individual path, and patients tend to describe the symptoms in the same way. It usually starts in one buttock, and the pain travels down the back of the leg where it can feel like a stab. It can sometimes reach all the way to the bottom of the foot, and standing for too long can make it worse. Pain can also be felt when one is sitting for too long, and people who seek help want to know the alternatives because their medications aren’t working anymore.
Fortunately, sciatica is one of the conditions that Dr. Tony Nicholas can treat at Axis Health and Wellness in Centennial. His chiropractic expertise can be effective for this condition, and his clinic has a tool that’s specifically designed to address this; it is called spinal decompression.
What Sciatica Actually Is
Sciatica is not a disease but a symptom that’s caused by pressure on the nerves in the lower back. It can be caused by a bulging or herniated disc, and the nerve runs down from the lower back through the buttocks down the leg. Since this is the path that the nerves take, pain in one’s calf can actually come from the problem in the spine. This is why treating the leg alone may not treat the painful sensations because the root cause of the issue is not left treated.
What is Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression uses a motorized table that gently pulls the vertebrae slightly apart to reduce the pressure on the discs in the lower back. The idea is to create more space to reduce strain and give a herniated disc some room to move back instead of constantly pressing the nerve.
Most sessions last about 20 minutes when done on a Chattanooga decompression table, and many might feel stiffness when they first get up, especially during the first few sessions. Fortunately, the tight sensations can go away shortly, and the treatment becomes more comfortable as the back begins to loosen up. There are times when the decompression doesn’t work, and the most common reason is not completing the entire treatment plan. For those who do, Dr. Toney puts the success rate at around 90%, so finishing it is actually important.
“Chiropractic is awesome for sciatica, and it works very well.”
Dr. Tony Nicholas, D.C.What are the Available Treatment Plans?
- Chiropractic adjustments to restore alignment in the lower back, where the nerve pressure starts.
- Decompression sessions as the primary care, and it’s usually the core of a sciatica treatment.
- SoftWave therapy is used when the soft tissues along the nerve route need help healing.
- Red light therapy is a quick anti-inflammatory add-on when tissue along the path is irritated.
When the patient visits a clinic in Centennial, the practitioner will conduct an exam where the spine can be seen clearly. This is better than guessing what’s causing the pain in the first place. The exam will also determine the pain level of the patient since the goal is to make sure that the condition doesn’t get worse.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Typically, it starts with around two to three visits, and the initial goal is to help the patient get out of pain. If the patient decides on a structural correction, the visits can decrease to at least once a week so they can get long-term relief. Sciatica that has been present for years will take longer to treat, and the longer the issue has existed, the longer the treatment may take. There will be weekly re-evaluations, and the plan is adjusted based on the body’s progress. After the 12th visit that didn’t show any improvements, the doctor will then refer the patient to another provider.
Get Emergency Care Instead If
- There’s a loss of control of bowel movements because this is considered an emergency
- The pain is 10 out of 10, and the individual can’t move at all.
- The leg pain started with a real trauma, so a fracture can be ruled out first.
Aside from those mentioned above, if one experiences a burning sensation at the back of their leg, then this is exactly why they should visit the right clinic for pain relief.
How Much Does It Cost?
The first visit will generally cost around $29, and the spinal decompression for sciatica becomes inexpensive as the pain improves. The clinic accepts insurance except Medicaid, but there are also other options. Patients can use Cherry, CareCredit, FSA, HSA, major credit cards, or other payment plans that have no-interest options. Nobody gets turned away over money if Dr. Tony can help it.
Sciatica FAQs
How do I know my leg pain is sciatica?
The main sign is the pattern of the pain, and it generally shows up as a sharp pain that starts in one area of the butt and travels down the back of the leg. It can reach the foot, and the pain can be described as stabbing. X-rays can help determine what’s putting pressure on the nerve in the first place, and the doctor will determine if this is really sciatica.
Does decompression actually work for sciatica?
Yes, because it’s designed to address issues that are related to herniated discs. It pulls the bulging disc towards the center to prevent it from irritating the nerve. The most common reason a treatment stops working is when the patient fails to show up or decides to stop everything early on. These plans are designed to be completed, and Dr. Tony sees a 90% success rate on those who do.
Can sciatica go away on its own?
Flare-ups can improve on their own over time, but the disc problem can remain. When individuals stop feeling the pain, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the issue is fixed, especially if the stinging sensations keep coming back. It’s actually best to consult with an expert to know more about one’s options.
Do I need an MRI before starting?
Usually not, because in some cases, the exam can provide enough information for the doctor to craft the right treatment plan for the patient. An MRI may be needed if the exam suggests a problem that doesn’t respond to care. If you already have an imaging result from the MRI, bring it with you so the doctor can have a look at it.
Will I have to keep coming forever?
No, because the relief phase will continue until one is out of pain. Afterwards, the patient can choose whether to stop or if they want to go further with the structural correction to prevent sciatica from returning. Either way, the treatment plan has an end, and if it doesn’t work, the doctor will then refer you to a provider who can bring better results.
What if my sciatica came from a car accident?
Learn more about how to handle these cases through our auto accident care link. The specialists will conduct motion x-rays to know the overall effect of the collision and the insurance provider will be the one to usually take care of the bill. Starting the treatment early can also help patients avoid developing more severe problems down the road.
The Leg Pain Is Real. The Fix Is in the Back.
If you have been massaging your calf for months but the pain is still there, the problem might not be located in the leg. Get your lower back examined and do a spinal compression to complete the treatment plan. Our clinic is here serving Centennial, Greenwood Village, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Aurora, Parker, and Castle Rock, so come visit us.