Sciatica
Sciatica is a painful condition resulting from pressure on the sciatica nerve, the largest in the body. The pain usually starts in the buttock, progressing down the back of the thigh, into the calf, and even as far down as the foot. People generally experience a burning sensation, or sometimes tingling or numbness from the buttock down into the thigh or lower, depending on the severity.
Common Causes
This condition may be caused by a number of things, but the most common cause, by far, is subluxation. When the spine is misaligned, it can put pressure on the nerves that exit between the vertebrae, causing pain and loss of function.
Other causes might be a bulging disc, or less common, a degenerative disc issue. Both these disc issues affect the spacing between the vertebrae, narrowing the space available for the nerves to pass through.
The fifth lumbar vertebrae is usually the area where misalignment leads to pressure on the sciatic nerve, although the sacrum or pelvis may also be involved. Restriction can lead to extreme pain throughout the affected leg.
What to Expect
Our doctor will use a series of orthopedic and neurological tests to determine the cause of your pain. Once we establish that, we take X-rays to see if there are any complicating factors, such as osteophytes, or bone spurs. By compiling as much information as possible, we can create a safe and effective care plan for you.
Figuring out the right adjustment to help, and not aggravate your condition, can be a balancing act. We might use something gentle, like Thompson Drop Table or Sacral Occipital Technique (SOT), low force techniques, to gradually ease the spine and pelvis back into alignment.
For rehabilitation, we use the Intersegmental Traction (IST) table to gently separate the vertebrae where the nerve is being pinched, helping relieve some of the pressure on the nerve, and lessen the pain.
We’re Here to Help
Contact our office today to learn more about chiropractic care and how it may help with your sciatica.
