Sciatica is an abnormal health condition which causes people to
have problems with pain in their leg. Sometimes it is called sciatic
nerve pain. It is associated with pain in the lower back, buttock and
leg or foot. Sometimes the pain in the leg is described as a numbness,
tingling, burning or an ache. For some people it is a mild annoyance but
for others it may be excruciating.
Sciatic nerve problems will occur in 10% of people, most commonly affecting those aged 25 to 45 years old. The nerves originate in the lower back and travel all the way down to both feet. In the buttock area the sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body and is about the thickness of our thumb. As it travels down the leg the nerve decreases in size and gives branches off to various aspects of our legs and feet.
Normally there should be no problems with the sciatic nerve. However the most common problem affecting it tends to come from a problem from a disc in the lower back. The discs of the lowest part of our spine are called the lumbar discs. They are small pads or cushions between the bones of the lower spine which are called the lumbar vertebrae.
Generally what happens to the lumbar discs is that a portion of it bulges, protrudes or herniates backward putting pressure or impinging upon the sciatic nerve. Sometimes the term "slipped disc" is used but this is really not a true descriptive medical term. There can be various reasons for problems with the disc such as a sudden trauma or prolonged wear and tear occurring over time.
Most people with a lumbar disc and sciatic nerve problem experience the worst of their pain early in the morning towards the end of their normal sleep time and the first hour or two after arising from bed. People who have occupations requiring them to sit in an office or drive a vehicle tend to be particularly uncomfortable with this condition.
The typical medical treatment for sciatica tends to include medications aimed at reducing inflammation. At times surgery is undertaken. Most studies show that taking medication provides only temporary relief. Some experts feel that only 1% of disc and sciatic nerve problems actually need surgery.
Chiropractic care is a natural healthcare alternative to conventional treatment of sciatica and lumbar disc problems. Chiropractors will initially see a patient and discuss the problem with them, perform a physical examination, and evaluate x-rays and other imaging such as MRIs. Chiropractic treatment is aimed at gently tractioning and repositioning the lumbar bones so as to take pressure off the disc. By doing this the bulging or protruding area of the disc is reduced resulting in less irritation of the sciatic nerve. Chiropractors may also use electrical stimulation to relax muscles and recommend the patient use cold packs over the area to reduce inflammation. Chiropractors will also discuss utilizing rehabilitative exercises and lifestyle recommendations that patients will need to follow through on at home and work.
Some studies have shown that 90% of lumbar disc problems causing sciatica are helped with chiropractic care. The sooner the patient visits a doctor of chiropractic the sooner they are likely to experience relief, be able to sleep, work and enjoy life the way it is meant to be.
Sciatic nerve problems will occur in 10% of people, most commonly affecting those aged 25 to 45 years old. The nerves originate in the lower back and travel all the way down to both feet. In the buttock area the sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body and is about the thickness of our thumb. As it travels down the leg the nerve decreases in size and gives branches off to various aspects of our legs and feet.
Normally there should be no problems with the sciatic nerve. However the most common problem affecting it tends to come from a problem from a disc in the lower back. The discs of the lowest part of our spine are called the lumbar discs. They are small pads or cushions between the bones of the lower spine which are called the lumbar vertebrae.
Generally what happens to the lumbar discs is that a portion of it bulges, protrudes or herniates backward putting pressure or impinging upon the sciatic nerve. Sometimes the term "slipped disc" is used but this is really not a true descriptive medical term. There can be various reasons for problems with the disc such as a sudden trauma or prolonged wear and tear occurring over time.
Most people with a lumbar disc and sciatic nerve problem experience the worst of their pain early in the morning towards the end of their normal sleep time and the first hour or two after arising from bed. People who have occupations requiring them to sit in an office or drive a vehicle tend to be particularly uncomfortable with this condition.
The typical medical treatment for sciatica tends to include medications aimed at reducing inflammation. At times surgery is undertaken. Most studies show that taking medication provides only temporary relief. Some experts feel that only 1% of disc and sciatic nerve problems actually need surgery.
Chiropractic care is a natural healthcare alternative to conventional treatment of sciatica and lumbar disc problems. Chiropractors will initially see a patient and discuss the problem with them, perform a physical examination, and evaluate x-rays and other imaging such as MRIs. Chiropractic treatment is aimed at gently tractioning and repositioning the lumbar bones so as to take pressure off the disc. By doing this the bulging or protruding area of the disc is reduced resulting in less irritation of the sciatic nerve. Chiropractors may also use electrical stimulation to relax muscles and recommend the patient use cold packs over the area to reduce inflammation. Chiropractors will also discuss utilizing rehabilitative exercises and lifestyle recommendations that patients will need to follow through on at home and work.
Some studies have shown that 90% of lumbar disc problems causing sciatica are helped with chiropractic care. The sooner the patient visits a doctor of chiropractic the sooner they are likely to experience relief, be able to sleep, work and enjoy life the way it is meant to be.
No comments:
Post a Comment