Sciatica & Chiropractic: The Relief You Need
Sciatica is a term used to describe the irritation of the sciatic nerve, the widest and longest nerve in the human body. The sciatic nerve begins in the lower back formed by several nerve roots and runs through the buttocks, into the back of the thighs, and branching off into smaller nerves that supply most of the leg, ankle, and foot. Every person has 2 sciatic nerves with one on each side of their body.
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica can have a variety of causes, including:
- Disc herniation
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal misalignment, or subluxation
- Degenerative disc disease
- Piriformis syndrome
- Tumors
- Diabetes
How do chiropractors help with sciatica?
During your first visit, a chiropractor will perform a thorough health history and physical examination to determine the source of your nerve problem. Following your case history and evaluation, the doctor may take x-rays, if needed. X-Ray Analysis is used to further understand the condition of your spine. It is also important to view the structure of your spine through the use of x-ray examination. Your doctor looks for signs of pathology, or disease, and fracture; evaluates posture, the joints of the spine, the condition of the disc, subluxation, and other conditions of the spine. The doctor can also use x-rays to visualize what position the vertebrae are in so that he can adjust the spine as gently, specifically and effectively as possible.
Chiropractors take a conservative approach to your treatment care. They use a variety of techniques to help to restore proper alignment to your spine that in turn relieves pressure on your nervous system. For instance, spinal adjustments correct subluxations in the spine which may be causing by inflammation that irritates the nerve roots exiting the spine that form the sciatic nerve. Research shows the effectiveness of chiropractic care on sciatica with patients reporting greater relief of pain, fewer pain days during recovery, quicker return to work, and fewer drugs needed compare to those going without chiropractic.
Above all, it is important to remember that sciatica is a symptom, not a cause. A chiropractor is trained to determine the source of your pain. Give us a call or send us a text at 630-262-1421 or email us at info@hartchiropractic.com so we can determine the cause of your sciatica pain and help you find relief today!