Sciatica Specialist

Soma Healthcare Center

Lawrence Rugg, D.C.

Chiropractic Clinic located in Elmhurst, IL & Chicago, IL

Sciatica can knock you on your back. To return to your normal self, look to Lawrence Rugg, D.C. and his staff at Soma Health Care Center for treatment. His staff takes a holistic approach to sciatica recovery using chiropractic care, acupuncture, and rehabilitation services at the Chicago and Elmhurst, Illinois, offices. Over his 21 years in practice, Dr. Rugg has learned the most effective strategies for treating sciatica. If sciatica affects your daily life, call the office today to get you back on your feet.

Sciatica

What is sciatica?

Mayo Clinic defines sciatica as “pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg.” Sciatica typically occurs when herniated discs, spinal stenosis (spine narrowing), or a spinal bone spur causes nerve compression.

What are the risk factors for developing sciatica?

  • Age: as the spine ages, so do the chances of stenosis and degeneration.
  • Weight: obesity contributes to sciatica as extra weight stresses the spine.
  • Repetitive movement: a job or activity that requires repetitive movements leaves your back susceptible to injury.
  • Poor lifting technique: lifting heavy objects and twisting while lifting may cause problems.
  • Sedentary lifestyle: prolonged periods of sitting weaken your back.
  • Diabetes: diabetes can cause nerve damage along the spine.
  • Smoking: smoking can contribute to disc degeneration.

How do the experts at Soma treat sciatica?

At Soma Health Care Center, the clinicians use the McKenzie Method® to assess, classify, treat, and prevent conditions like sciatica. Each specialist uses a specific set of assessments to categorize people’s conditions. Using the information gathered from the McKenzie Method, they can help treat your sciatica pain from a variety of different angles.

Rehabilitation is one of many treatment options. Conditioning exercises, stretches, and mobility moves help your body return to normal function. The clinicians can provide a treatment plan and exercise regimen to improve your condition and help prevent your injury from happening again.

Chiropractic care is another proven approach for sciatica pain. Spinal adjustments, for example, help return the spine to proper alignment and reduce pain. Chiropractic care extends beyond spinal adjustments though. Dr. Rugg can use other techniques to help you, such as electric stimulation and hot/cold therapy. He can also provide guidance on lifestyle factors to improve sciatica, such as exercise and ergonomics.

Finally, acupuncture is an excellent supplementary treatment for sciatica pain. Practitioners insert thin needles into specific acupoints on your back to help reduce pain and encourage the healing process.

If your sciatica pain doesn’t respond to treatment, our office can refer you to another healthcare provider. In rare cases, some people with sciatica require injections or surgery. If you’re ready to talk to a doctor about sciatica treatment, contact Soma Health Care Center to schedule an appointment.