I am aware from over twenty years experience as a Chiropractor in Wichita treating individuals suffering from the pain of sciatica that the condition can be extremely debilitating. Sciatica sufferers are sadly all too familiar with the kind of deep pain that frequently radiates through the lower part of their body, accompanies their waking hours each day and inhibits almost all of their daily activities.
There is a way to ascertain if your low back pain is caused by sciatica. If your pain radiates from your low back, through your buttock(s), down the large sciatic nerve in the back of your leg(s), and possibly radiates into your knee(s), you are more than likely suffering from sciatica. In addition, not just motion, but even sitting can be painful. Often lying down will decrease, or perhaps even temporarily get rid of the pain. But, it’s important for you to be aware that sciatica cannot be corrected without appropriate treatment.
Radiculopathy
One of the clinical diagnoses of sciatica is called a “radiculopathy”, a medical term that means simply that a disc has protruded from its normal position in the vertebral column and is putting pressure on the radicular nerve, or nerve root, in the lower back, which forms part of the sciatic nerve. Such pressure is extremely painful.
Increased pressure on the intervertebral discs, as well as imbalances in the muscles encompassing the spine, can occur during and after long periods of sitting, especially in an improper position. More often than not, a specific event or injury doesn’t cause sciatica, more often sciatica tends to develop over time as a result of general wear and tear on the vertebrae of the lower spine. Over the course of time the lower spine can lose its ability to function normally during common stresses.
Ultimately, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures or cracks, which then allow the soft nucleus to protrude the disc outward. Pain is created as the disc pushes on sensitive tissues. This occurrence is often called a ruptured, or slipped, disc. If the disc presses on the spinal nerve, sciatica is likely to develop. With chiropractic manipulation and management, which frequently includes postural exercises, almost all disc problems, including sciatica, can be totally alleviated.
Periformis Syndrome
Another condition that creates sciatic pain is periformis syndrome. Periformis syndrome occurs when the periformis muscle, which is superficial to the sciatic nerve, goes into spasm and irritates the nerve. In combination with chiropractic manipulation, this particular 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!