Sciatica
About Sciatica
Chiropractors regularly treat sciatica and have terrific results.
Sciatica is characterized by pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and travels into one or both legs. Sciatic nerve pain often varies in its’ intensity and frequency, however usually there will be a component of sharp, jabbing or “electric shock” pains that radiate into the legs. sciatica pain is also commonly associated with burning, numbness and tingling sensations. Muscle weakness is another frequent symptom of sciatica that requires careful monitoring.
Typically, sciatica is made worse by bending, lifting, sneezing and coughing.
Sciatica is a common problem for manual workers, sedentary office workers and is particularly prevalent during pregnancy.
Causes
Sciatica nerve pain is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve – a very large nerve that originates from the lower lumbar spine and travels through the buttock into the leg as far as the back of the knee.
Pressure on the Sciatic nerve can result from a number of reasons including:
- Piriformis syndrome (tightness of the piriformis muscle in the buttock that compresses the sciatic nerve)
- Spinal mislignments, vertebral subluxation
- Herniated disc, disc prolapse
- Osteoarthritis
- Poor posture – wearing high heels, prolonged sitting, poor mattress
- Poor lifting technique and poor bending habits
- Spinal compressions due to osteoporosis
Other causes of lower back pain include inflammatory arthritis (e.g. ankylosis spondylitis, Rheumatoid arthritis), and fractures due to osteoporosis. Back pain may also be ‘referred’ from another location entirely!
Less common conditions causing low back pain include cancer (usually from another source such as the prostate or lung), serious infections and compression of the spinal cord.
Ultimately, many of our patients who present with this condition, are experiencing it as a result of poor posture or poor movement (such as lifting heavy objects with poor form). Regardless of the cause of your discomfort, we are here to help you.
Diagnosis
Since there are many disorders that can cause sciatica, your Chiropractors’ first task is to determine the exact cause of your sciatic nerve interference.
Chiropractic care always begins with a thorough history, spinal, orthopaedic and neurological examination. Special diagnostic imaging investigations such as X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan may also be required to accurately diagnose your sciatica.
Treatment
As sciatica is due to pressure on the sciatic nerve, it stands to reason that treatment involves removing this pressure. Your Chiropractic care aims to achieve this by reducing nerve pressure caused by poorly moving spinal joints as well as easing muscular tension in the lower spine, buttock and leg. This is achieved by using a combination of the following techniques:
- Spinal adjustments
- Massage therapy and trigger point therapy
- Stretching tight muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments
- Ultrasound and other electrical stimulation devices
- Advice in relation to how to minimise pressure and irritation of the sciatic nerve
In addition to this, you will be given a series of home stretching exercises and asked to apply ice and heat to help aid your recovery.
If you are suffering with sciatica at the moment please do not delay – you can achieve the best results when you address the symptoms early..simply call us to begin your care today!