Better Health & Wellness Center
12455 Poway Road, Suite G
Poway, California 92064
858-679-5544
Serving North County For Over 30 Years!
The Better Health and Wellness Center focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system), and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health.
Dr. LeiLani Vidal has been in practice for 30 years, and she truly enjoys what she does. Helping others is her number one goal. Dr. Vidal is going to get to the root of what is causing your pain or health troubles, instead of just treating the symptoms. She specializes in correction and wellness care, as well as injuries caused by accidents, sports, physical trauma, etc.
Sciatic Pain
%20(1).png)
If you have sciatica -- pain radiating along the path of your sciatic nerve -- you don’t have to suffer. Regular chiropractic care can ease sciatica pain so that you can enjoy all of your favorite activities.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a type of pain along your sciatic nerve — the largest nerve in the body — that leads to discomfort from your lower back all the way down your leg. This condition typically affects only one side of your body, and the pain can be debilitating.
Other symptoms of sciatica can include:
-
Weakness
-
Numbness
-
Tingling or burning sensations
-
Inflammation
-
Feeling a jolt or electric shock
-
Leg cramps
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica occurs when your sciatic nerve gets pinched. This could be the case if you have an overgrowth of bone on your spine or a herniated disk. A tumor, narrowing of the spinal canal, a pelvic fracture, or diseases like diabetes can also damage your sciatic nerve.
What are the risk factors for sciatica?
Certain health conditions like diabetes and choices such as living a sedentary lifestyle can increase your sciatica risk.
You may also have a higher risk of developing sciatica if you’re overweight or obese, aged 30 years or older, and have an occupation where you sit for prolonged time periods.
How is sciatica diagnosed?
Dr. Vidal can help diagnose sciatica by first reviewing your medical history and completing a physical examination. She might also order tests — such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans — if your sciatica is severe or isn’t getting better to check for things like bone spurs and herniated disks.
How is sciatica treated?
If you’re suffering from sciatica, Dr. Vidal works with you to create a treatment plan you’re comfortable with, and one that meets your unique needs.
Common sciatica treatments and prevention measures include:
-
Chiropractic adjustments
-
Ice packs
-
Heat therapy
-
Pain medications
-
Physical therapy
-
Steroid injections
-
Assisted stretching (fascial stretch therapy)
-
Ultrasound therapy
-
Electric muscle stimulation therapy
Sciatica often dissipates within several weeks or months with proper care and rehabilitation. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, not sitting for extended periods, and regular chiropractic treatment help to prevent recurrences.
If sciatica isn’t going away on its own and you need help with healing and pain management, call Dr. Vidal at 858-679-5544.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism controlled by the brain, spinal cord and nerves. The 24 bones of the spine, or vertebrae, surround and protect the spinal cord and nerves. When misaligned, or subluxated, the vertebrae can interfere with the nervous system, causing pain and dysfunction.
As chiropractors, our objective is to analyze the spine, locate and correct these vertebral subluxations. The chiropractic method of correction is by specific adjustments of the spine, which are intended to correct vertebral subluxations overtime, thereby allowing the innate (inborn) healing abilities of the body to work at maximum efficiency.
What conditions can Chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors do not treat conditions, nor do they cure disease! Chiropractors adjust vertebral subluxations to remove interference from the nervous system. With a properly functioning nervous system, your body is able to heal itself. Chiropractors do not chase symptoms; they look for the cause of the problem so the symptoms do not return. From sports injuries to prenatal care, our goal is always the same - to adjust spinal subluxations allowing the body to heal itself and function more efficiently.
How much education do Doctor's of Chiropractic need?
After completing their undergraduate education, chiropractors receive an additional four years of post-graduate education and a one-year internship to become a Doctor of Chiropractic. Their education curriculum is similar to medical school and there is special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, neurology, biomechanics, nutrition, X-ray, and spinal adjusting techniques.
To become a licensed chiropractor, he or she must pass a demanding four-part National Board Examination and then a State Board examination for the state in which they wish to practice. A chiropractor’s education never stops, as yearly continuing education is required for license renewal.
What is an Adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is a carefully directed and controlled pressure applied to a spinal joint that is subluxated, or not moving properly. The chiropractic adjustment removes subluxations and restores motion to the joints, helping the bones of the spine gradually return to a more normal position and motion. With improved position and motion, there is decreased interference with the nervous system, increased communication within the body, and improved overall balance.
After many years of training, a chiropractor is an expert at using the correct amount of force in the correct direction. Some adjustments may require a quick movement, and others involve slow and constant pressure. After a thorough examination, we determine which technique will work best for you.
Do you have to be a certain age to see a Chiropractor?
Chiropractic is safe and effective for people of all ages, from newborns to senior citizens. Each person is unique, so we will design a care program specific for your age, condition, and lifestyle. We let you decide whether you prefer "relief care" or "correction care."
Can I adjust myself?
It is virtually impossible to adjust yourself because a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force applied in a specific direction to one area in the spine. Even a chiropractor cannot adjust him or herself. It is possible to bend or twist and hear and feel a “popping” along the spine. This is a general movement, however, that may help release pressure but is usually counter-productive and can create areas of instability. The best way to adjust the spine is to see a doctor of chiropractic.
There is a reason they went through all of that schooling!
Is Chiropractic care expensive?
No, chiropractic care can be relatively inexpensive. Your insurance may cover chiropractic care.
Or, if you are without health insurance coverage, there is no charge for the consultation and X-rays start at $65.
How long will it take for me to get better?
It is difficult to predict how your body will react to adjustments. Correcting a spinal problem depends on several factors including how long the problem has been around and your current lifestyle. Your body will heal as quickly as it wants to, and sometimes that takes time. Some patients may require ongoing supportive care for optimum spinal function, while others find that periodic checkups help keep them in balance and maintain better health.
As Dr. Vidal says:
“My goal is to find the root cause of your pain and help you live the pain-free life you deserve”
– Dr. LeiLani Vidal, D.C
While chiropractic care is well known for addressing back and neck pain and injuries, there are many other conditions that can benefit from chiropractic treatment.
These include, but are not limited to:
-
Headaches
-
Heartburn
-
Knee Pain
-
Leg Pain
-
Migraines
-
Neck Pain
-
Nutrition
-
Post Surgery
-
Shoulder Injuries
-
Sports Injuries
-
Sprains/Strains
-
Stress
-
Torticollis
-
TMJ
-
Wellness
-
Whiplash
-
And much more
At our Poway location, Dr. Vidal and her staff bring their experience to your unique health concern.
Call us at 858-679-6655 to make your first appointment. We are conveniently located in Poway, just north of San Diego.