Understanding Sciatica
Even sufferers of sciatica don’t always fully understand exactly what causes it or what the treatment options are. But they do know sciatica is a painful, sometimes debilitating condition that can last for years. Sciatica is commonly referred to and treated as a condition, but in fact, it is a symptom of a spinal irregularity. It is sometimes caused by spondylolisthesis, lumbar spinal stenosis or, in rare cases, a tumor on the spine. The most common causes of sciatica are disc disease or piriformis syndrome (tightening of the piriformis muscles.)
A herniated disc or abnormally tight muscle can cause pressure or irritation on the sciatic nerve which runs from the lumbar spine and down both legs. This pinching disrupts the normal function of the sciatic nerve, causing painful sensations to radiate down the leg. Most patients see a chiropractor for sciatic nerve pain on one side or the other, but some report pain on both.
Symptoms of sciatica include:
- Shooting or electric pain in the buttocks, or leg
- Burning or tingling sensations
- Weakness in the leg or difficulty moving the affected limb
- Constant or intermittent pain on one side of the buttocks
Treatments for Sciatica
Surgery to repair the damaged disc or potentially addicting prescription medications are often suggested as treatments for sciatic pain. Many of our patients at Colorado Spine and Disc have already tried those methods with disappointing results Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-invasive solution that can permanently resolve the source of pain and prevent it from occurring—even in patients who have already undergone surgery.
After a comprehensive examination to determine the cause of your sciatica, our chiropractors will develop a treatment plan specifically for your needs. Spinal adjustments will be an important part of that treatment plan. Proper spinal alignment is crucial to a healthy spine. When the spine is functioning as it should, normal blood flow can return to the sciatic nerve and other soft tissues around the damaged area. Chiropractic care alleviates the pain of sciatica and gently supports the body’s natural ability to heal.