Sciatica is a common problem seen at my office. Sciatica is characterized by pain that originates in the low back, or buttock, and travels into one or both legs.
Sciatica nerve pain varies in intensity and frequency; minimal, moderate or severe and occasional, intermittent, frequent or constant.
Pain is described as dull, achy, sharp, toothache-like, pins and needles or similar to electric shocks. Other symptoms associated with sciatica include burning, numbness and tingling sensations. A misconception is that sciatica is a disorder; however, sciatica is really a symptom of a disorder.
Caused by Nerve Compression
Sciatica is generally caused by sciatic nerve compression. Simply getting out of bed, twisting, sudden movement, sports injuries, auto accidents, etc., can cause you to experience sciatica. Other disorders known to cause sciatic nerve pain include lumbar spine subluxations (misaligned vertebral body/ies), herniated or bulging discs (slipped discs), pregnancy and childbirth, tumors, and non-spinal disorders such as diabetes, constipation, or sitting on one's back pocket wallet.
Sciatic nerve compression may result in the loss of feeling (sensory loss), paralysis of a single limb or group of muscles (monoplegia), and insomnia.
Treatment Approach:
Adjustments (Spinal or Sacroiliac Manipulation). The core of my care is the chiropractic adjustment. Manipulation frees restricted movement of the spine and/or hip joint. The chiropractic adjustment helps to reduce nerve irritability responsible for causing inflammation, muscle spasm, pain, and other symptoms related to sciatica. Chiropractic adjustments are proven to be safe and effective.