Sciatica

Sciatica

Sciatica is a painful condition affecting the lower back, which is often mistaken for other conditions. With a lifetime incidence of up to 40%, it’s a common problem, and the need for therapies that truly heal patients is why many people search for Health Box Clinic in Glenview, IL. 

What is the Main Cause of Sciatica?

Sciatica is caused by damage to the sciatic nerve. This is made of the nerve roots from L4 to S2 once they join together at the pelvis. 

Specific sciatica causes include bone degeneration, a herniated or bulging spinal disc, direct nerve injury from causes such as surgery, and pregnancy. Professions that involve sitting in an awkward position, such as truck driving, or those that place a vibratory stress on the spine increase your risk of sciatica. Smoking, depression, and poor general health can also contribute. 

How Do You Know If You Have Sciatica?

The symptoms of sciatica include pain, tingling, and numbness that radiates into the legs. If the main area of damage is around the L4 area, these will radiate into the thigh, or if your L5 nerves are the problem, they will radiate into the foot and big toe. When the S1 nerves contribute, the symptoms radiate to your outer foot. Reflexes, walking ability, and general muscular strength may be affected, too. 

How to Heal Your Sciatica

At Health Box Clinic, we provide a range of effective alternatives for sciatica, including: 

• Manual therapies and exercises help to relieve tension and retrain correct patterns of movement 
• Electrotherapy can block the pain signals, providing relief while preventing harmful changes to the brain’s wiring around pain perception. 
• Cold laser therapy boosts energy production to enable tissue healing where it doesn’t normally occur 
• Neuropathy treatment, with our Rebuilder system, improves nerve conduction patterns. 

Don’t despair if sciatica is getting in the way. Contact us here or at (847) 724-1777 to book an appointment with Dr. Lev Kipnis, D.N. or Dr. Olga Arbitman, D.N. and find the right treatment for you.