Posts Tagged ‘sciatica’
As a Wichita Chiropractor for over twenty years, I have assisted hundreds of people suffering from sciatic pain, therefore, I’m genuinely aware from experience just how disabling sciatic pain can be. Sciatica sufferers are regrettably all too familiar with the type of deep pain that often radiates through the lower part of their body, persists during the day and restricts almost all of their daily activities.
There is a way to ascertain if your low back pain is caused by sciatica. You are probably suffering from sciatica if your pain travels from your low back, through one or both sides of your buttocks, down the large sciatic nerve in the back of your leg(s), and possibly penetrates into one or both knees. In addition, not solely activity, but even sitting can be painful. Commonly lying down will lessen, or occasionally even temporarily get rid of the pain. But, it’s important for you to know that sciatica will not go away without proper treatment.
Radiculopathy
A radiculopathy is a medical term that describes a condition where a disc has protruded from its normal position in the vertebral column and is creating pressure on the radicular nerve, or nerve root, that forms part of the sciatic nerve in the lower back. This type of pressure is extremely painful.
Prolonged sitting, especially in an awkward position, can produce imbalances in the muscles surrounding the spine and increased pressure on the intervertebral discs. Usually, a particular event or injury doesn’t cause sciatica, but rather sciatica tends to develop over time as a consequence of general wear and tear on the structures of the lower spine. Over the course of time the lower spine can lose its normal functioning capabilities during ordinary stresses.
If this happens, the intervertebral disc incurs small fissures or cracks that then allow the soft nucleus to protrude the disc outward. Pain is generated as the disc pushes on sensitive tissues. This condition is frequently called a ruptured, or slipped, disc. Sciatica is the result of the disc pressing on the spinal nerve. With chiropractic adjustments and management, which often includes postural exercises, almost all disc conditions, including sciatica, can be totally alleviated.
Periformis Syndrome
Periformis syndrome is another cause of sciatic pain. Periformis syndrome develops when the periformis muscle, which is superficial to the sciatic nerve, goes into spasm and irritates the nerve. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, this type of sciatica can be significantly relieved by sciatica stretches that your chiropractor can recommend.
If you are experiencing sciatic pain, it is extremely important for you to seek chiropractic attention. If you are in the Wichita area, as your Wichita Chiropractor, I invite you to come in to see if I can get you out of pain and help you to get your life back!