Dr. Gordon Kuang serving Midtown Manhattan, NY, and the nearby region, treats patients who suffer from sciatica. Surprisingly, this isn't a condition as much as a term to describe symptoms that affect the sciatic nerve and the areas that it controls. But fortunately, our practitioner can help. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about sciatica.
What's Sciatica?
Sciatica is a group of nerve-related symptoms that affect the sciatic nerve and the body parts controlled by it, meaning the lower back to the legs to the feet. The symptoms may include pain, numbness, weakness, burning, and tingling.
What Causes Sciatica?
This condition may stem from damage to the sciatic nerve, such as during an injury. On the other hand, you may develop sciatica from an autoimmune disorder, like lupus. Other possible causes of sciatica include an infection or herniated disc placing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Pregnancy can lead to sciatica. In the first trimester, the hormone changes can trigger it. In the last trimester, pressure from the unborn baby on the nerve may cause it.
How Is Sciatica Diagnosed?
Generally, when you visit our Midtown Manhattan, NY, practice, we can tell if you have sciatica by merely assessing your symptoms.
However, the diagnostic process for this condition may include determining what's causing the issue -- either compression on the nerve or damage to it.
Our practitioner will perform a physical examination to assess your range of motion and look for any visible signs of an injury.
In some cases, our chiropractor may advise you to undergo imaging to get a view of that region of your body.
How Is Sciatica Treated?
Your particular treatment depends on the cause of your condition. It may include you undergoing routine chiropractic alignments to ease swelling that could lead to compression of the nerve. The alignments may enhance nerve function. They're also known to optimize circulation, and an increase in blood flow can enhance healing. That way, more nutrients are reaching the area, which means it may heal better.
Exercise therapy is another possible treatment. With that option, our practitioner guides you through exercises that work the lower back. This could ease pressure and improve function.
Sometimes, your treatment may include traction, which is a form of decompression therapy. It eases pressure on the sciatic nerve.
A visit with Dr. Gordon Kuang serving Midtown Manhattan, NY, can help you better manage your sciatica symptoms through the use of natural means. Our treatments work with your body. And fortunately, sometimes, sciatica is a treatable condition.
Book an appointment with our practitioner today by calling (212) 242-3210.