Part 1; Sciatica – what is it, what causes it, how chiropractic helps

Greg Conlan 1 Comment Back Pain, Sciatica

Part 1; Sciatica - what is it, what causes it, how chiropractic helps

 

Welcome to the first week of our email series on sciatica! In this email we will provide an introduction to sciatica, explaining what it is and what causes it. We will also discuss the role that chiropractic care can play in relieving sciatic pain.

So what is Sciatica?

sciatica

sciatica

Sciatica is a type of pain that affects the sciatic nerve,  the largest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve is a weave of individual nerves that exit the  lower back (L4 and L5) and sacrum (S1, S2 and S3).Once formed, the  sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down through the hips, buttocks, and legs. If this nerve becomes compressed or irritated it can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the  area the nerve serves.

Nerves take messages from the brain to tissues in the body. For example the message may be to a muscle so you can lift your foot or it may be to a blood vessel to open up and provide more blood flow.

Nerves also take messages from the body to the brain. For example, you have stood upon a nail and need to lift that foot we just talked about.

So if there is interference to the sciatic nerve (sciatica) you can feel all kinds of weird things, not just pain.

Sciatica can be caused by a number of different factors, including:

  1. Bulging/Prolapsed Discs: The discs between the vertebrae in the spine can become damaged or herniated. They push outwards causing them to press on the sciatic nerve.
  2. Spinal Stenosis: This condition occurs when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the nerves. Disc bulges can cause this. Bone and ligaments can cause this as well by thickening due to arthritis.
  3. Piriformis Syndrome: The piriformis muscle, which runs from the sacrum to the thigh bone (femur), can become tight or inflamed, pressing on the sciatic nerve.
  4. Spondylolisthesis: This condition occurs when a vertebra shifts on top of the vertebrae below it and presses on the nerve leaving the spine.
  5. Trauma: Injuries to the lower back or hips can cause sciatic pain.

How Chiropractic Can Help Relieve Sciatic Pain

Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free approach to treating sciatic pain. As chiropractors we use a variety of techniques to address the underlying causes of sciatica and relieve pain.

One of the most common chiropractic  techniques  to treat sciatica is spinal manipulation. This involves applying gentle force to the spine to realign the vertebrae, open up the disc space and reduce the nerve pressure. Chiropractors may also use other techniques, such as massage, stretching, and hot or cold therapy, to help alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Special equipment called a Flexion/Distraction table may be used to reduce disc pressure as well.

Referral for a course of Myotherapy may be used as an adjunctive measure.

In addition to spinal manipulation and other techniques, chiropractors may also recommend exercises and lifestyle changes to help manage sciatic pain. For example, we may recommend specific stretches or strengthening exercises to improve flexibility, improve muscle conditioning and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. We may also provide advice on proper posture and ergonomics to help prevent further injury.

We hope this introduction to sciatica has been informative and helpful. If you are experiencing sciatic pain, chiropractic care may be an effective treatment option for you. Please don't hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors.

References:

  1. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2019). Sciatica Fact Sheet. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Sciatica-Fact-Sheet
  2. Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Sciatica. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12792-sciatica
  3. American Chiropractic Association. (n.d.). Sciatica. https://www.acatoday.org/Patients/Health-Wellness-Information/Back-Pain-Facts-and-Statistics/Sciatica

    Disc injuries and sciatica