Sciatica
Sciatica Care in Grand Junction, CO
Sciatica is a description of symptoms, not a diagnosis in itself. The work is figuring out what is irritating the nerve.
Understanding
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve, from the low back or buttock down the back of the leg, sometimes to the foot. It usually affects one side.
Because several different problems can produce the same pattern, identifying the source matters more than naming the symptom.
Symptoms
Common Symptoms & Experiences
Sharp or burning pain down one leg, electric sensations with certain movements, numbness or tingling in the foot, and difficulty sitting for long periods.
One long-time patient of this practice described years of electrical shocks running from hip to ankle before seeking care. Experiences vary widely.
Contributors
Potential Contributing Factors
Disc bulge or herniation pressing on nerve roots, narrowing of the space around the nerve, joint restriction in the low back or pelvis, and soft tissue tension in the hip and buttock.
Pregnancy, prolonged sitting, and heavy repetitive lifting can all play a role.
When to be seen
When Additional Medical Evaluation May Be Appropriate
Seek immediate medical attention for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or rapidly progressing weakness in the leg or foot. These can indicate a condition requiring urgent care.
Our approach
How Peak Performance Approaches Evaluation & Care
Evaluation includes a consultation, exam, and health history, with attention to which movements provoke or relieve the leg symptoms. Imaging is recommended when your history and exam suggest it would help.
Care is then built around your findings and goals, and referral is made when the picture calls for it.
Next steps
What to Expect Next
Progress with nerve-related symptoms is often tracked by where the pain sits: symptoms retreating toward the low back is generally a more encouraging pattern than symptoms traveling farther down the leg. Dr. Younker will explain what he is watching for in your case.
Meet your chiropractor
Meet Dr. Dean Younker
Dr. Dean Younker took over Peak Performance in 1997 and has cared for patients in Grand Junction ever since. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Northern Colorado and his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Cleveland University in Kansas City. He is a member of the Colorado Chiropractic Association and the Grand Junction Chiropractor Association.
“Because no two patients are the same, here at Peak Performance, we take the time to listen to each patient. We then develop a personalized treatment plan. Our promise is to help you live your life better.”
FAQ
Common Questions
Is sciatica the same as back pain?
Not exactly. Back pain describes symptoms in the back; sciatica describes symptoms traveling along the sciatic nerve. They often occur together.
Do I need an MRI?
Not necessarily. Advanced imaging is ordered when findings suggest it will change the plan. Bring any imaging you already have.
Should I stretch it out?
Some stretches help and others aggravate nerve irritation. Get specific guidance rather than generic internet advice.
How long does sciatica last?
It varies significantly with the underlying cause. Expectations should follow your evaluation, not a general average.
Next step
You Don't Have to Keep Planning Your Life Around Pain.
If pain is affecting the way you sleep, work, exercise, travel, or spend time with the people you love, it is worth finding out what is going on. Let's start with a conversation.
Engage With Your Life Again.