Sciatica Specialist
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Rhino Chiropractic & Holistic Wellness Center
John Gehnrich, DC
Chiropractor located in Nassau County, Rockville Centre, NY
Sciatica is a collection of painful symptoms caused by compression of the sciatic nerve in the lower spine. Dr. John Gehnrich provides patients on Long Island with comprehensive care that takes a holistic approach to not only provide relief from the pain of sciatica but also to heal the condition causing the sciatic pain. Patients can make appointments at his practice, Rhino Chiropractic & Wellness, in Rockville Center, Nassau County, New York.
Sciatica Q & A
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is the name for pain caused by compression and irritation to the sciatic nerve in the lumbar spine. The sciatic nerve extends down from your back, through both legs. The sciatic nerve may be irritated by injuries or conditions like herniated discs, strained back muscles, disc degeneration, and pregnancy.
Sciatica may also be caused by an imbalance in the piriformis muscle in the buttocks and can be compounded by obesity. Sciatic pain tends to be a sharp pain that shoots down one or both legs and can become a debilitating condition.
When Should I Seek Chiropractic Care For Sciatica?
Dr. Gehnrich offers effective chiropractic treatment for sciatica, so there is no reason to wait to make an appointment if you suffer from any lower back pain.
We all lead busy lives and it is often all too easy to put off care for minor aches and pains. However, when minor aches and pains are left untreated, they can become worse and lead to much more serious conditions that can lead to long-term disability.
Please make an appointment with Dr. Gehnrich at your earliest convenience if your sciatica is associated with any of the following:
- An automobile, sports, or slip-and-fall accident
- Pain is worse at night or while resting
- You experience any weakness or numbness in your legs
- Pain shoots down one or both legs
- If you have a fever
- Pain lasts for more than a couple of days
Seeking early treatment for sciatica is also important because compression in the lower spine may cause misalignment in the upper spine. It also affects the vital flow of energy through the nerves, as well as interfering with blood flow throughout the spine. If these issues aren’t corrected, you’ll be at risk for developing a body-wide illness.
How Does Chiropractic Care Help With Sciatica?
Dr. Gehnrich performs a comprehensive diagnostic exam to determine if your lower back pain is sciatica and to identify where the misalignment causing compression on the spine is located.
Once the problem is identified, Dr. Gehnrich offers a treatment plan customized to address your specific needs which may include chiropractic adjustments, massage treatments, physiotherapy, and guided exercises and stretches.
You may also be given an exercise plan to practice at home to minimize your risk of future pain while improving your strength and mobility.
Dr. Gehnrich believes in treating the whole person, so he evaluates aspects of your life that may contribute to sciatica. This may include an evaluation of posture, which affects your spine and other vital functions, such as breathing.
He also reviews your physical activity, to be sure you’re not adding stress to your back, and to recommend exercises to promote back strength. To promote whole-body health, Dr. Gehnrich may recommend ways to eliminate stress and improve your nutritional status.
