What is sciatica?
The largest nerve in your body is the sciatic nerve, which originates at the base of your spinal column and then splits into two branches that run down either thigh. When your sciatic nerve becomes inflamed or irritated, the resulting pain is called sciatica.
What does sciatica feel like?
When you have sciatica, you usually feel a pain that starts either in your lower back or your buttocks and then radiates down into your thigh. The pain may feel like it’s “shooting” down into your leg.
Your legs, back, or buttocks might feel numb. You may also notice that your lower back or legs are weak.
What causes sciatica?
In about 85% of cases, a misaligned spinal disc that rubs against the sensitive root of the sciatic nerve causes sciatica. Spinal discs are the rubbery pillows that keep your vertebrae from grinding against one another.
The discs can slip out of alignment because they’re getting old, have been injured, or because you have an underlying health condition that causes spinal misalignment.
The second most common reason for sciatica is an inflamed sacroiliac joint that’s pressing on your sciatic nerve. The sacroiliac joints are located on either side of your lower spine and are responsible for carrying the weight of your upper body when you stand or walk.
More rarely, you may have a tumor that’s impinging on your sciatic nerve. Your sciatic nerve can also be inflamed if you suffer from spasms in nearby muscles or have an underlying disease, such as diabetes.
Who is at risk for sciatica?
Risk factors for sciatica include:
- Old age
- Diabetes or other illness that cause inflammation or degeneration
- Obesity
- Engaging in manual labor or heavy lifting
- Sitting for long periods of time without stretching or moving
How does chiropractic relieve sciatica?
Dr. Abercrombie offers same-day treatment to alleviate sciatic pain. During your consultation, he examines your spine and runs tests to establish why your sciatic nerve is irritated.
Depending on his findings, he may use the following techniques to alleviate pain and trigger healing:
- Spinal decompression (traction) to take pressure off vertebral discs
- Spinal manipulations that correct spinal misalignments
- Active Release Techniques® to heal surrounding tissues
- Lifestyle modifications
- Referral to other medical professionals to treat underlying conditions, if necessary
You don’t have to suffer from sciatica: Get relief with same-day diagnosis and treatment by calling Dr. Abercrombie’s friendly team or booking an appointment online today.
