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What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is characterized by lower back pain radiating through the back of the leg. It follows the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower spine through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica occurs when this nerve becomes compressed or irritated. The pain can range from mild to extremely severe and debilitating. Patients may find it hard to sit, stand, or walk without feeling some discomfort.

Sciatica Symptoms

Pain

Pain
This is the most common sciatica symptom. Pain usually radiates from the lumbar spine (lower back) through the buttocks and along the path of the sciatic nerve down the back of the leg. It may feel like a mild tingling, dull ache, or sharp, burning sensation.

Numbness

Numbness
Some people experience numbness in the leg, foot, or part of the buttocks due to sciatic nerve compression. It feels like a loss of sensation in the affected areas.

Weakness

Weakness
Compression on the sciatic nerve can cause muscle weakness in the leg or foot, making it difficult to move. The patient may feel as if the leg is “giving out.”

Tingling or "Pins and Needles"

Tingling or "Pins and Needles"
Some people describe abnormal sensations like electric shocks or tingling down their legs or feet. This indicates an irritation of the sciatic nerve.

Cramping or Spasms

Cramping or Spasms
Muscle spasms and cramps in the leg, foot, or buttocks often occur due to sciatic nerve inflammation. The muscles may feel tight and bunched up.

Reduced Reflexes

Reduced Reflexes
Compression on the sciatic nerve can reduce or eliminate certain reflexes, like the knee-jerk reflex. Dr. Schulz tests these changes during a physical exam.
Pain
This is the most common sciatica symptom. Pain usually radiates from the lumbar spine (lower back) through the buttocks and along the path of the sciatic nerve down the back of the leg. It may feel like a mild tingling, dull ache, or sharp, burning sensation.
Numbness
Some people experience numbness in the leg, foot, or part of the buttocks due to sciatic nerve compression. It feels like a loss of sensation in the affected areas.
Weakness
Compression on the sciatic nerve can cause muscle weakness in the leg or foot, making it difficult to move. The patient may feel as if the leg is “giving out.”
Tingling or "Pins and Needles"
Some people describe abnormal sensations like electric shocks or tingling down their legs or feet. This indicates an irritation of the sciatic nerve.
Cramping or Spasms
Muscle spasms and cramps in the leg, foot, or buttocks often occur due to sciatic nerve inflammation. The muscles may feel tight and bunched up.
Reduced Reflexes
Compression on the sciatic nerve can reduce or eliminate certain reflexes, like the knee-jerk reflex. Dr. Schulz tests these changes during a physical exam.

Causes of Sciatic Pain

A herniated or slipped disc in the spine can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause pain. It happens when a disc’s outer layer ruptures, allowing the gel-like inner portion to bulge and press against nerve roots. This condition may be caused by disc injuries or gradual degeneration.
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which houses the spinal cord and nerves. When the openings between the vertebrae shrink, they can compress the sciatic nerve, leading to intense pain. Spinal stenosis may result from arthritis, a tumor, injury, or natural aging.
The piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttocks, can sometimes irritate or compress the sciatic nerve if it spasms or swells. The syndrome may be caused by muscle tension, injury, poor posture, or sitting for long periods.
This condition occurs when a small stress fracture allows one vertebra (spinal bone) to slip forward and press on a spinal nerve. It can narrow the space needed for nerves, triggering pain.
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Sciatica Treatment Procedure

Sciatica Treatment Procedure image

Consultation

As a chiropractor, Dr. Schulz aims to correct spinal misalignment and ensure that the patient’s body moves optimally. During the initial consultation, he discovers the source of pain and measures its intensity and frequency. With a full patient history, we create a long-term treatment plan to work toward natural body alignment.

Dr. Schulz treats sciatic pain through small adjustments to the joints using gentle and noninvasive methods. There are three major techniques – Pierce Results System, Torque Release Technique, and Chiropractor Biophysics®. Here is a short overview of each of them:

  • Pierce Results System: This technique uses specific manual adjustments and manipulations along the length of the spine to relieve nerve interference causing sciatica. It includes four major elements – thermography (measuring body functioning using advanced equipment), kinetic (observing spine motions), structure (measuring what normal structure should look like), and correction (all adjustments are made by hand, with no twisting, popping, or cracking).
  • Torque Release Technique: This gentle and non-invasive chiropractic technique uses an instrument to locate and release stuck joints in the spine. Adjusting the joints can reduce nerve irritation and tension that contribute to sciatic pain. The Torque Release Technique restores proper mobility to the spine and reduces discomfort.
  • Chiropractic Biophysics®: This complex method uses traction, adjustments, and rehabilitative exercises to align the spine. Proper alignment decreases pressure and irritation on the sciatic nerve. It aims to create balance and stability in the spine, allowing optimal nerve functioning.
  • Dry Needling: This non-invasive treatment may help with chronic pain caused by sciatica. We insert very thin needles (without hollowness inside) into certain trigger points to relieve tightness and spasms in the muscles surrounding the sciatic nerve. The needles are solid and do not inject any substances. Dr. Schulz uses this technique to treat a variety of muscular pain syndromes. Research shows that dry needling can be highly effective at providing pain relief and helping patients improve mobility.
The results are different for every patient struggling with sciatica pain. Depending on how long the condition has been a problem and how damaged the disc is, some people may require more time to experience full relief. On average, it takes 4-6 weeks to achieve significant results.

Candidates for Sciatica
Pain Treatment

Sciatica is a common and painful condition that affects many individuals. Between 10% and 40% of people will experience it at some point. The following candidates can benefit from our treatment:

Benefits of Sciatica Treatment

Chiropractic is one of the best non-surgical options for treating sciatica. It involves manual spinal manipulation and other techniques to address the underlying causes of pain. Here are the main benefits of our chiropractic treatment:

Cost of Sciatica Treatment in Littleton

The cost of treatment for sciatica in Littleton ranges from $50 to $300 per visit. The total price may vary depending on the number of sessions and what diagnostic tests or additional therapies are included. Patients can receive accurate cost estimates during their initial consultations with Dr. Schulz. We offer different payment options to make the procedure more convenient and affordable.

Dr. Schulz Is a Top Specialist in Sciatic Nerve Pain

Dr. Brian Schulz is an ideal choice for sciatica treatment due to his extensive education, experience, and passion for helping patients. 
In 2001, he graduated with honors from Palmer College of Chiropractic 
and has been practicing since that time. Dr. Schulz has over 20 years 
of experience successfully treating patients. Beyond professional qualifications, what makes him a truly excellent doctor is his passion 
for positively impacting people’s health. Patients struggling with sciatica can be confident they are in good hands with Dr. Schulz.
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Patient
Testimonials

yellow-stars
"Great environment, great staff, knowledgeable Dr., and best of all are able to work with you in any possible way they can. Not to mention attentive to mine and my families care, but I feel a whole heck of a lot better then I did first starting out. 10/10 would recommend to people in the area."
- Sierra Castrellon
yellow-stars
"Amplify Health and Wellness has been great! Amplify is unique in that every adjustment is made with intention. They use technology every appointment to pinpoint problem areas and make adjustments accordingly. I’m very impressed with Dr. Brian and his team! Highly recommend."
- Sara Candiano
yellow-stars
I’m so happy I’ve found this place! I have been impressed by the level of service and quality of care since day one. The office is welcoming, non intimidating and the staff are all very nice and truly care about you and your treatment journey. My treatment plan pricing is fair and I love that they have financing if needed. I’m about 2 months in on my treatment and I am so happy with my progress thanks to Dr. Schultz and his team.
- Sara Stant
yellow-stars
I've been very thankful for Amplify Health and Wellness. I've only just begun my healing journey with them, but I am seeing progress (even if small so far). I'm also so thankful for the effort they are putting in to help me get the benefit of a VA referral.
- Jennifer Nelson
yellow-stars
Excellent staff, excellent service and excellent care! Folks, if you're thinking about chiropractic care, look no further than Dr Brian Shultz and his staff at Amplify! They changed my life!
- Kay Fabe
yellow-stars
If you are looking for a pediatric chiropractor look no further. Dr. Brian is amazing, helped our new born immensely with his colic. Would give 10 stars if possible.
- Mike Lichtenberger
Welcome to Amplify Health and Wellness! Our dedicated team of chiropractors provides tailored holistic care to relieve discomfort caused by sedentary work. We established our practice in Littleton to cater to the healthcare needs of the community. With the active lifestyle common in this mountainous region, our aim is to foster long-term health among its residents. In just three years, we’ve gained recognition as the “Best Chiropractor in Littleton”