Sciatica Pain Relief

Sciatica refers to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the low back down the buttock and leg, often due to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. At our Nashville clinic, we use comprehensive neurological and functional evaluation to determine the specific mechanical and nervous system factors contributing to your symptoms. Your care plan is individualized based on these findings, helping improve nerve-related symptoms and overall function without relying on medications or surgery.

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica may be caused by a "pinched nerve" of one or more spinal nerves exiting the lower spine. Conditions that cause this may include:

Herniated, bulging, or "slipped disc" - disc matter putting pressure and irritating the exiting nerve roots.

Piriformis Syndrome - A small muscle in the buttocks region spasms and compresses the sciatica nerve.

Spinal stenosis - narrowing of the spinal canal putting pressure on the nerves.

Spondylolisthesis - When a vertebra has moved out of alignment either due to trauma or degeneration, narrowing the space where the nerves exit the spine and causes compression and irritation to the nerve root.

How is sciatica diagnosed?

A complete history and physical exam is needed for the health care provider to diagnose and determine its cause. An evaluation of reflexes, sensation, muscle strength, and orthopedic tests will help identify which nerves are involced. Further recommendations may be made to identify cause and prognosis:

X-ray - identifies fractures, degeneration, changes in alignment, etc.

Magnetic Reasonance Imaging (MRI) or computed Tomography (CT) images of the spine including soft tissue structures like your discs

Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) or electromyography (EMG) studies - electrical impulse are transmitted through peripheral nerves to test for compression.

Conservative Therapies for Sciatica

Following the history, physical examination, and possible additional testing, the cause of your sciatica will be determined and treatment options will be given. These can include but are not limited to:

Chiropractic Adjustments

Class IV laser

Spinal Decompression

Stimpod NMS 460 Pulsed Radiofrequency system

Dry Needling

(p) 615.463.0550

(f) 615.463.8474

2424 21st Ave S Ste 202 Nashville, TN 37212