Helping individuals who are suffering from pain of sciatica is one of the most rewarding things for chiropractor. Those who suffer from sciatica are unfortunately all too familiar with the associated deep pain. Pain that often radiates through the lower part of their body, persists during the day and inhibits almost all of their daily activities.
Are you worried that your low back pain could be generated by sciatica? You are probably experiencing sciatica if your pain radiates from your low back, through one or both sides of your buttocks, down the large sciatic nerve in the back of one or both legs, and possibly penetrates into one or both knees. In addition, not solely motion, but even sitting can be painful. Commonly lying down will reduce, or perhaps even temporarily eliminate the pain. But, you should be warned that sciatica will not go away without appropriate care.
Radiculopathy
One of the clinical diagnoses of sciatica is known as a “radiculopathy”, a medical term that means simply that a disc has protruded from its natural position in the spine and is pressing on the radicular nerve (nerve root) in the lower back, which forms part of the sciatic nerve. Such pressure is extremely painful.
Prolonged sitting, especially in an awkward position, can cause imbalances in the muscles enclosing the spine and additional pressure on the intervertebral discs. More often than not, a particular event or injury doesn’t cause sciatica, instead sciatica is likely to develop over time as a result of general wear and tear on the vertebrae of the lower spine. Over the course of time the lower spine can lose its ability to function normally during ordinary stresses.
When this happens, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures or cracks that then let the soft nucleus to protrude the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it produces the pain that is frequently called a ruptured, or slipped, disc. Sciatica is the result of the disc pressing on the spinal nerve. With chiropractic manipulation and management, which often includes postural exercises, the majority of disc problems, including sciatica, can be completely relieved.
Periformis Syndrome
Periformis syndrome is another cause of sciatic pain. Periformis syndrome occurs when the periformis muscle, which is superficial to the sciatic nerve, goes into spasm and irritates the nerve. In combination with chiropractic treatment, this type of sciatica can be significantly relieved by sciatica stretches that your chiropractor will suggest.
