Sciatica care in Winchester
Sciatica is one of the problems our treatments commonly help. Here is what it is and how we approach it.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, from the low back or buttock down the back of the leg. It can feel sharp, burning or electric, and it may come with numbness or tingling. It often happens when a nerve root in the low back is irritated, for example by a disc problem or by stiff, restricted joints and tight muscles nearby.
Because leg pain can have several causes, we take a careful history and do a thorough exam before recommending care. If something needs a medical doctor or imaging, we will tell you.
How we help
Specific chiropractic adjustments. A precise, controlled movement applied to a joint that is restricted or not moving well. The goal is to restore healthy joint motion and support communication between your nervous system and your body. More about adjustments.
Passive therapies. Electrical stimulation, our mechanical massage table and cold therapy to ease pain and relax tight muscles.
Active care. Exercises and stretches you can continue at home to build strength and flexibility.
Your first visit
Book online anytime or call (859) 737-5800. Walk-ins and same-day appointments are welcome during office hours (Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM). Bring your insurance card(s); that’s all you need. We accept Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and Passport (Molina Healthcare), and plans from Anthem, Humana, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), WellCare and Aetna. Not using insurance? Self-pay options are available. See what to expect as a new patient.
When to get urgent medical care
Call 911 or go to the emergency room, rather than booking a chiropractic visit, if you have:
- Numbness in the groin, buttocks or inner thighs
- New trouble controlling your bladder or bowels
- Leg weakness that is getting worse, or a foot that drags
- Severe pain after a fall, car crash or other major injury
Also at our office: Massage therapy with Westley Rowe, LMT (Meet Westley), and Personal training with Bobby Stewart, M.Ed., of MedFit PT (Meet Bobby). Both are booked separately from chiropractic visits.
Sciatica questions
Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?
Sciatica is one of the problems our treatments commonly help. Because leg pain can have several causes, we take a careful history and do a thorough exam first. Care may include specific adjustments, passive therapies and exercises you can continue at home. If something needs a medical doctor or imaging, we’ll tell you.
Is sciatica the same as low back pain?
Not quite. Sciatica is pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, from the low back or buttock down the back of the leg, sometimes with numbness or tingling. Many people with sciatica also have low back pain, but the leg symptoms are what set it apart. See back & neck pain.
Does Medicare cover chiropractic care for sciatica?
Medicare Part B covers adjustments of the spine to correct a subluxation (when spinal joints don’t move properly). After the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. Medicare doesn’t cover other services or tests a chiropractor orders, such as X-rays or massage therapy. We are a Medicare provider, and we also accept Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, Passport (Molina Healthcare) and plans from Anthem, Humana, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), WellCare and Aetna. See seniors & Medicare.
Do I need an MRI or X-rays before my first visit?
No. To book, you only need your insurance card(s), and no referral is needed. We don’t take X-rays in our office. If you need X-rays, we’ll refer you to an outside imaging provider, and if your exam points to something that needs a medical doctor or other imaging, we’ll tell you.
Ready to feel and move better?
Book online anytime, or give our office a call.