The painful condition of sciatica can occur anytime the sciatic nerve gets compressed. When the sciatic nerve, which carries messages from the lower back through the buttocks and down the back of each leg, becomes compressed the effects can be debilitating.
The sciatic nerve is the widest and longest nerve in the back, and it can distribute pain throughout the lower back and leg, all the way down to the sole of the foot. If left untreated, severe sciatica can lead to persistent leg weakness, loss of bowel or bladder function, chronic pain and even addiction to painkillers.
Sciatic pain can be intense. Patients commonly report pain that radiates from the lower back down one leg. They describe sensations that include shooting pain, mild tingling, a feeling of pins and needles, numbness or weakness in the leg or foot, a constant dull ache and even burning sensations. Sciatica symptoms typically affect only one side of the body, and the pain typically begins slowly and intensifies in time.
Compression of the sciatic nerve can occur for many different reasons, including:
· Herniated disc or bone spur on the spine (most common)
· Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal
· Degenerative disc disease
· Masses in the pelvis, such as tumors or abscesses
· Pelvic trauma, such as a fracture
· General wear and tear of the lower spine
Sciatica Relief With Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care has proven to be an effective treatment for sciatica. Chiropractic adjustments to restore proper nerve function provide a non-surgical, drug-free treatment that addresses the root cause of the pain, helps patients restore spinal movement, and also helps relieve and minimize pain. With the right combination of chiropractic care and techniques, around 90 percent of sciatica cases are usually resolved within three months.
If you are suffering from sciatica, low back pain, or neck pain, call 480-325-6977 to schedule a free consultation. The Doctors at Foresight Chiropractic, the Valley’s premier Wellness Center, are Board Certified Atlas Orthogonal upper cervical specialists who have been serving the community for over 18 years with very precise and gentle care – no popping or cracking!
