Sciatica can be frustrating, painful, and disruptive. When discomfort radiates from your lower back into your hip, leg, or even your foot, it becomes harder to move. At Knoxville Family Chiropractic, Dr. Eric Lundgren, DC, offers patient-centered care to help you understand what’s causing your symptoms and find relief through safe, effective chiropractic treatments, including flexion distraction therapy.
Understanding Sciatica and Its Symptoms
Sciatica isn’t a condition by itself, but a set of symptoms caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. When this nerve is stressed, pain can follow the nerve’s path down one side of the body.
Common symptoms include:
- Sharp, burning, or shooting pain in the lower back, buttock, or leg
- Tingling, numbness, or “pins and needles” sensations
- Muscle weakness in the affected leg
- Increased discomfort after sitting for long periods
- Pain that gets worse with bending, twisting, or lifting
These symptoms can vary from mild and occasional to severe and constantly disruptive. Dr. Lundgren takes time to understand your experience so he can recommend the most appropriate and effective care.
What Causes Sciatica
Sciatica has several possible causes, many of which relate to how the spine and surrounding tissues function:
Disc Bulges or Herniated Discs When spinal discs shift or weaken, they can press against the sciatic nerve.
Spinal Misalignment If joints in the lumbar spine aren’t moving correctly, they can cause inflammation or nerve irritation that leads to radiating symptoms.
Muscle Tightness Tight muscles, especially in the lower back or piriformis muscle, can put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Arthritis or Degeneration Age-related changes in the spine may narrow the spaces where nerves travel, increasing the risk of compression.
Overuse or Injury Repetitive movements, heavy lifting, or sudden strains can trigger inflammation around the sciatic nerve.
Dr. Lundgren evaluates your spine, movement patterns, and medical history to identify the cause of your symptoms and create a personalized care plan.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Relieve Sciatica
Chiropractic treatment focuses on reducing nerve irritation, improving mobility, and supporting the spine as it heals. At Knoxville Family Chiropractic, Dr. Lundgren draws from several gentle, effective methods to reduce pain and help restore comfort.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Adjustments help realign the spine, improve joint motion, and reduce inflammation that contributes to sciatic nerve irritation. Restoring proper movement also supports long-term healing.
Flexion Distraction Therapy
Flexion distraction is a hands-on, non-invasive technique that carefully stretches and decompresses the spine. By reducing pressure on the affected disc and nerve, this therapy often provides relief for patients with disc-related sciatica. The movement also increases circulation to the tissues, which supports the healing process.
Physiotherapy and Targeted Exercises
Stretching and strengthening exercises help improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and stabilize the spine. Dr. Lundgren guides patients toward movements that ease symptoms without overstressing the back.
Electric Muscle Stimulation (E-Stim)
E-stim helps relax tight muscles, reduce inflammation, and diminish nerve irritation. It’s a helpful tool for reducing discomfort early in treatment and preparing the body for more active therapies.
Managing Sciatica at Home
In addition to treatment, simple daily practices can make a meaningful difference:
- Take short movement breaks to reduce stiffness
- Stretch the lower back and legs gently each day
- Use proper lifting techniques
- Maintain good posture when sitting or standing
- Follow your personalized exercise plan consistently
These habits help support your spine, reduce flare-ups, and extend the benefits of your chiropractic care.
Get Sciatica Relief in Knoxville, TN
You don’t have to live with radiating pain or uncertainty about what’s causing it. Dr. Eric Lundgren provides thoughtful, individualized care to help you understand your condition, ease your symptoms, and build a strong foundation for long-term wellness. If sciatica is causing your problems, Knoxville Family Chiropractic is here to help you move forward with less pain. Call us at 865-214-1891.