What is Sciatica?
Sciatic nerve pain is a symptom of other issues, not the actual problem. It is an irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, often caused by vertebral disc issues and inflammation. Although there are a number of different issues that can cause sciatica. Sciatica is generally felt on just one side of the body and is often referred to as burning or sharp as opposed to throbbing or aching. If you are suffering from low back pain and sciatica, take a look here for how we can help you!
Sciatica symptoms are felt in the:
Buttock/hip
Back of the thigh, down to the calf
Even the foot and toes!
Generally, sciatica symptoms include:
Pain
Numbness
Tingling
Weakness
Factors that increase your chances of developing sciatica pain:
Age
Pregnancy
Being overweight
Smoking
Jobs that involve lifting heavy things, frequent bending or twisting often.
Sitting for long periods of time, often at desk jobs
What is the sciatic nerve?
The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest in the human body. It is made up of 5 different nerves that exit the spine at different levels of the lower back. This nerve innervates, or causes sensations and strengthens the muscles of the leg.
Depending on which nerve is being impaired, different parts of the buttocks, leg, or foot can feel discomfort. This pain is actually caused by pressure on the nerve or high amounts of inflammation around the nerve. it is important to know the nerve is not the problem, the issue is what is irritating the nerves!
Conditions that cause sciatica:
Lumbar herniated disc
Lumbar degenerative disc disease
Spondylolisthesis
Spinal stenosis
Osteophytes
Arthritis of the back
Sciatica is caused by an issue in your back or pelvis, and is a symptom, not a diagnosis!
Sciatica Treatment
There are a number of different kinds of treatments for sciatica, almost all depending on the root cause. At Michigan Complete Chiropractic & Rehab, we believe in non-surgical whenever possible.
The good news for you is that this condition is very treatable!
Some conservative treatments we use include:
Spinal Manipulation or Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractors at Michigan Complete Chiropractic can reduce sciatica by adjusting the spine and pelvis to reduce pain improvement movement and alignment.
McKenzie Method
McKenzie therapy is a highly researched treatment method to treat lower back pain, especially sciatica. It utilizes repetitive movements of your spine to reduce disc bulges than may be causing nerve root irritation which contributes to your sciatic pain.
Cox Flexion Distraction
Cox flexion distraction is a low force decompression technique used to treat disc bulges and herniations which can contribute to sciatica. Light pressure is applied to specific areas of the lumbar spine to decompress spinal discs and relieve pain.
Physical Therapy
Various stretches and exercises can be incorporated into your care plan to reduce sciatic pain. The main focus is on restoring proper movement patterns and gaining strength and stability of the lower back and pelvis through exercise.
Exercise
Movement is one of the best things you can do to manage sciatica. While some movements may be painful and should be avoided in the short term, the main goal is to keep you moving as much as possible!