Sciatica Treatments

Sciatica is more than just a sore back. For many people, it’s a disruptive and severely painful condition that makes it hard to sit, walk, or even rest. At Creekside Chiropractic and Healing Arts in Albany, New York, Dr. Tom Genstil, DC, and Dr. Debra Singer, DC, help patients find relief using a personalized, noninvasive approach. Treatment is designed to fix the problem at its origin, not just react to symptoms, and improve your overall health and mobility.

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which travels from your lower back through your hips and down each leg, becomes compressed or irritated. The resulting pain can vary from a mild ache to sharp, shooting discomfort. Many people also experience tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected leg. Typically, the pain affects only one side of the body, as only one nerve is compressed, and may worsen after sitting for long periods, bending, or sudden movement.

A sciatic nerve may be compressed for several reasons. A herniated or bulging spinal disc is one of the most common triggers, as it can press against the nerve roots in the lower back. Other possible causes include spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal; piriformis syndrome, which involves a tight muscle in the hip region putting pressure on the nerve; or spinal subluxations. Inflammation of other muscles and dysfunction in other joints can contribute to sciatic pain as well.

Treatment for sciatica at Creekside Chiropractic and Healing Arts focuses on relieving pressure on the nerve while supporting your body’s natural healing process. Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine and pelvis, improving posture and reducing nerve irritation. Therapeutic exercises can strengthen the muscles that support your back and improve their flexibility, which helps prevent future flare-ups.

In addition to manual therapies, our Albany practice offers electrical muscle stimulation and ultrasound therapy to ease inflammation and muscle tension. Myofascial release can help free up soft tissue restrictions that may be contributing to nerve compression. For patients interested in more holistic options, Dr. Debra Singer and Sandy C. Camper, M.Ac., also offer acupuncture, which has been shown to help reduce sciatic pain by improving circulation and calming the nervous system.

You don’t have to live with sciatic pain, and you may not need drugs or surgery, either. Whether you’ve been living with chronic pain or are experiencing new symptoms, the team at Creekside Chiropractic and Healing Arts is here to provide attentive, effective care in a supportive setting. If you’re ready to explore whole-body healing, call the office of Dr. Tom Genstil and Dr. Debra Singer at (518) 458-9113.