Sciatica

In my Newmarket chiropractic office, sciatica is one of the most common reasons people seek our help.  We see first-hand how frustrating this condition is and how it prevents people from living their life.  It often prevents someone from working, sleeping, and enjoying life. 

Fortunately, we have been able to help many people free themselves from low back pain, disc bulges and herniations, and sciatica.

What Is Sciatica?

As the name implies, sciatica is an irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve.  The sciatic nerve begins in the low back and travels through the buttock and down the leg.  Five nerves (L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3) bundle together to form the sciatic nerve and irritating any combination of these nerves can result in sciatica. 

The pain can be described as dull, achy, sharp, toothache-like, pins and needles, numbness and tingling or even similar to electric shocks. As well it can be localized pain or travel down the nerve as far as the foot in one or both legs.  In severe cases, it can cause sensory loss and paralysis in a lower limb. 

Unpleasant indeed.

Causes

Sciatica is always a symptom of an underlying cause such as:

• disc bulge/herniation
• degeneration in the spine (arthritis)
• bone spurs
• spinal or pelvis misalignment
• tight muscles 

Relief At Home

The key to correcting sciatica is to find the cause.  Some of the best ways to determine the cause is with a specialized examination, thermography, and structural x-rays – all things that are routinely completed in our office.  CT scans and MRI reports can also be helpful if they are available.

Some general home care instructions for sciatica include:

1. Ice in 15 minute intervals. In some cases, heat may be beneficial as well.  Click here for proper ice/heat instructions.
2. Intermittent movement. Never stay in one position too long, especially if it is uncomfortable.  Find the position that is most comfortable and try to move within the boundaries of comfort.
3. A prone extension stretch has been shown to help by holding the position that gives the most relief 5-10 times per day.  Click here for a video of me showing you how to perform the stretch correctly.
4. Choosing “anti-inflammatory” foods can help – avoid sugary foods and alcohol which can exacerbate inflammation.

The above are general recommendations that may be helpful in lessening your pain.  However, specific spinal and pelvis adjustments, spinal decompression and corrective exercises have been shown to be extremely effective in treating the cause of the problem – saying goodbye to sciatica pain will allow you to start living your life again.

Be Well,