We have all heard the term “sciatica.” Anyone who has had it knows that it is one of the most painful conditions that can be experienced. This article will describe sciatica, its cause, and a safe and gentle form of treatment to avoid back surgery.
Strictly speaking, sciatica involves pinching the sciatic nerve. Five smaller nerves come out of the lower part of the spine and fuse to form the sciatic nerve. It is the largest nerve in the body (about the size of a finger) and also the longest nerve in the body, with fibers running from the lower back to the toes. Sciatic nerve pain is called “sciatica.”
Sciatica, many times, is caused by a problem with an intervertebral disc in the lower back. These discs can bulge, bulge, rupture, or protrude backward and come into contact with smaller nerves or the sciatic nerve itself. Symptoms of sciatica include low back pain, pain in the buttocks, and pain in the side or back of the thigh, calf, and foot. Numbness and tingling may also occur in the lower limb.
Diagnosis of sciatica begins with a doctor taking the history and conducting a physical exam. X-rays and possibly MRIs are usually obtained. Treatment can take many routes, but seeing a chiropractor for care is a non-surgical, drug-free approach that many will follow.
Chiropractors treat sciatica by looking for the cause of the problem. As noted above, the spinal discs are affected. They usually compress and put pressure on the sciatic nerve. Therefore, a common form of treatment used by chiropractors is traction to decompress the intravertebral discs. Other conservative treatment modalities may involve the use of cold compresses to decrease inflammation, electrical muscle stimulation to relax the muscles in spasm, and gentle chiropractic manipulations to realign the malpositions of the spine and pelvis.
Chiropractors can also apply deep pressure, trigger point therapy, to the muscles in the hip area and along the lower spine.
Lifestyle recommendations and home exercises can be an important part of healing. Since a disc problem causing sciatica is often worse in the morning, it is important for patients to start the day slowly with a very gentle warm-up routine. Those who suffer from sciatica find that allowing their back to warm up makes the rest of the day much easier.
Chiropractic care for sciatica generally takes several weeks to several months in duration. Since the problem is caused by the lower back, any discomfort that travels down the leg is called radiating pain. During the course of healing, most patients will begin to notice a decrease in pain in the legs. This is a positive sign and it is usually only a matter of time and treatment before the pain is completely gone.
The good news is that for more than 125 years chiropractors have helped patients heal from sciatica. Consult with your chiropractor before opting for surgery. Gentle and safe chiropractic care for sciatic nerve pain relief is, for many, the best approach