Have you heard of Sciatica? Sciatic nerve pain, also known as Sciatica, is a common condition that affects so many people. The Sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body traveling over half your body length -starting in the lower back. The sciatic nerves branches from various spinal nerves on each side of the spinal cord and continues down both sides of the body through the hips, buttocks, legs, and feet.
Sciatica can vary in severity and duration. Chiropractic care and Physiotherapy are two of the most common treatment methods for resolving sciatic nerve pain. Not only is treatment not enough but providing home education can help prevent this from happening more often in the future.
How does Sciatica occur and what are some warning signs
Sciatic nerve pain is often the result of nerve compression caused by a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. This forced pressure causes nerves to become irritated and inflamed. Some warning signs that might suggest you may be suffering from a sciatic nerve issue include:
- Lower back pain that radiates into the leg(s)
- Numbness in legs/feet
- Tingling in legs/feet
- Weakness in legs
People between the ages of 30 and 50 are most at risk to develop sciatic nerve pain, in addition to pregnant women and people who have do repetitive lumbar twisting/compressing movements for work (e.g. think of a contractor). Sciatica can range from a mild ache to sharp nerve pain. Sometimes Sciatica may only goes as far as your knee and other times it may go all the way down to your foot causing a foot flare.
How can Chiropractic help with Sciatic Nerve Pain
It all starts with neurological and orthopedic tests we can while you are in for your first visit (or follow up if this is a new incident). As each individual’s sciatica case is different so are the treatment options and frequency. But I always advice patient’s that coming in for your adjustments isn’t enough- you will need to work on the home care exercises provided or shown in the clinic. Muscle/ trigger point therapy is always a helpful addition to any sort of relief for musculoskeletal pain.
Things we may try:
TENS: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is a common treatment option that sends electrical waves into the body to reduce pain and minimize muscle spasms
Ultrasound: Sound waves help produce heat that targets deep soft tissues and increases blood circulation. Ultrasound treatments can help relax spinal tissues that are causing a herniated disc. It may also help reduce swelling.
Spinal Manipulation: adjustments seek to realign the vertebra and joints to their proper position. In doing so, muscles, ligaments, and nerves can see a reduction in irritability, inflammation, and pain.
Graston Technique®: Almost every time I have a patient who comes in with Sciatic – we do a bit of Graston Therapy on their low back. To learn more about Graston Therapy click here.
Chiropractic care has shown to be an effective and successful long-term solution to sciatic nerve pain. If you are interested in booking an appointment click here.
