Smith Chiropractic & Wellness, the office of Dr. Perry Smith, treats sciatica, a painful condition caused by irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body, extending from the buttocks down to the toes. Those experiencing a shooting, piercing pain that runs from the lower back down to the legs are probably suffering from sciatica.

            Many find the pain to be so debilitating that they are forced to miss work and social gatherings, and among patients with lower back pain, those with sciatica experience the highest level of disability. A chiropractor can adjust the spine in a way that increases spinal movement, which improves spine function and decreases pain.

            If the sciatic nerve is damaged, it can result in numbness, tingling and in more severe cases, weakness in the knees or legs. The longer it is left untreated, the longer it will take for numbness and weakness to go away, and they may become permanent. Smith also provides chiropractic adjustments, lipo laser, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, supplements and orthopedic products.

Location: 920 Hastings St., Ste. B, Traverse City. For appointments and more information, call 231-421-9229, email [email protected] or visit SmithChiropractictc.com.