Sciatica is an inflammation, irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve starts at the lower back, branches at the buttocks and ends in the feet. An injury anywhere along the nerve’s path can result in back and leg pain.
Sciatica Causes
Three of the most common sciatica causes are damaged discs, a narrowing of the spinal canal surrounding the nerve, and a misalignment or dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint.
A bulging or herniated disc happens when the spinal disc between the vertebrae slips out of place or the jelly-like center breaks through the outer part of the disc, creating pressure on the nerve roots. Bulging and herniated discs can occur due to traumatic injuries, excessive wear and tear on the spine and degenerative disc diseases.
Lumbar spinal stenosis occurs when the passageway surrounding the nerve narrows, putting pressure on the nerve roots. We typically see lumbar spinal stenosis in individuals over the age of 60, but it can occur if the facet joints are enlarged, or there is an overgrowth of soft tissue surrounding the nerve.
The sacroiliac joints are located at the center of the hips near the bottom of the spine. A misalignment in these joints can cause hip, back and sciatic nerve pain.
Sciatica Symptoms and Treatment with our Chiropractor
Sciatica causes numerous symptoms, including numbness, tingling and burning sensations, and the pain and discomfort can occur anywhere along the path of the sciatic nerve. Advanced sciatica can cause difficulty walking, numbness and partial paralysis.
Our chiropractor can help reduce your sciatic nerve pain and aide in the healing of the underlying injuries, causing your pain. We utilize chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression and physical therapy to help treat sciatica. Chiropractic adjustments reduce pain and improve nervous system function by ensuring your spine is in the proper alignment. Spinal decompression helps heal herniated and bulging discs by allowing them to retract into their proper positions, and physical therapy helps strengthen weak muscles.
Are you ready to try chiropractic care for your sciatica?