Sciatica and nerve-related pain
Nerve-related symptoms can include shooting, burning, tingling, numbness, or pain that travels into an arm or leg. Dr. McDonald looks at the area where the symptoms are felt, the course of the involved nerve, and how the surrounding joints, muscles, and connective tissues are moving. He also assesses for signs of nerve involvement when appropriate, to better understand what may be contributing.
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What commonly contributes
Spine-related nerve irritation
Disc changes, arthritis, or narrowing around a nerve root can irritate a nerve and cause symptoms into an arm or leg.
Peripheral nerve irritation
A nerve can also become irritated or compressed farther along its course, away from the spine.
Repetitive pressure or strain
Repeated movements, prolonged positions, or an injury can place ongoing stress on a nerve or the tissues around it.
Other medical causes
Not all numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness is mechanical. Metabolic, inflammatory, and other neurologic conditions can also cause nerve-related symptoms.
Hands-on treatment (OMT)
How OMT may help
Dr. McDonald examines before he treats: palpation and motion testing through the low back, pelvis, and sacrum, looking for the pattern behind the leg symptoms. Treatment is gentle and specific, using techniques such as muscle energy, myofascial release, and counterstrain.
- Can help ease the deep muscle tension near the nerve
- Often improves motion in the low back, pelvis, and sacrum
- May reduce mechanical irritation along the nerve's path
- Comes with practical guidance for flare-ups and recovery
If you need more than OMT
Hands-on treatment is not always the whole answer, and Dr. McDonald does not work alone.
Imaging
If your recovery needs a closer look, he can order it, including X-rays and MRI.
Referrals
He sends and receives referrals with physicians in physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedics, neurology, and family medicine, and with physical therapists. If your care should involve one of them, he will point you there.
Ready when you are
Start with a conversation
Describe what is going on, and Dr. McDonald will tell you whether hands-on treatment can help.