Sciatica can be a distracting pain that starts in the lower back and extends down into one or both legs. Chiropractic care has proven to be quite helpful. Those suffering from sciatica are often in their 40s and 50s. It usually begins as an acute pain that worsens with extended periods of sitting or standing. Like a large river created by smaller streams, five pairs of nerves exit the spine in the lower back to form the two sciatic nerves. The soft, pulpy disc between each spinal bone is often involved. While a disc can't "slip" it can bulge, herniate or rupture This can put direct pressure on the nearby nerves. The result? Swelling. Inflammation. Pain when coughing, sneezing or with other kinds of movement.
Sciatica often worsens with extended bed rest. Pain medication or muscle relaxers are unable to correct nerve compression caused by a bulging disc or hypertonic muscle. Physical therapy merely exercises the unstable joints. Surgery often involves cutting away disc tissue or removing bone to make room for the nerve. Fortunately, sciatica often responds to safe, natural chiropractic care.
Improving joint motion with a series of chiropractic adjustments has produced results for millions. "Before" and "after" images of the lower back often showed improved disc height and spacing. Many patients report that they can resume their lives and that their symptoms disappear without drugs or surgery. There is hope!
How do you get sciatica?
It's easy to trace some spinal problems to an event, such as a car accident. Yet, sciatica is often the result of cumulative damage. Years of bad posture, poor muscle tone, excess weight or countless other causes set the stage. then, something simple like bending over to tie your shoes can trigger an episode.
Can anything else cause sciatica?
Spinal degeneration can be another culprit. Instead of disc thinning that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve roots, arthritic bone spurs can intrude into the space normally reserved for the nerve.
Can chiropractic cure sciatica?
Actually, chiropractic doesn't cure anything! Only your body can do that. The chiropractic approach to sciatica (and other health problems) is to help restore proper spinal functioning, reducing the nerve irritation and revitalizing your body's own healing ability.
How long will I need chiropractic care?
Most sciatic sufferers are delighted with their results after weeks or months of care. Naturally, each patient responds differently. Many discover that years of neglect have produced spinal instabilities that never fully heal. These patients elect to continue, with periodic checkups. The choice is up to you. It's your health, and your choice.
If you know of anyone suffering from sciatica or any other spinal dysfunction, please have them contact our office for a consultation. It's always my greatest honor to serve those in need.
