Sciatica
Sciatica (or sciatic neuritis) is irritation and inflammation of the great sciatic nerve (the largest nerve in the body). The sciatic nerve originates from the lumbo-sacral spine and travels down the leg all the way to the great toe. Sciatica is characterized by pain that travels along the pathway of the nerve. The quality of the pain may be dull, sharp, burning or electrical. It may also be accompanied by numbness, tingling and the feeling of "pins and needles" (similar to little electric shocks). The symptoms may vary in intensity (how severe) and in the frequency (how often). Pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg is the hallmark of sciatica. Sciatica may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected leg. This pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort. Sometimes it may feel like a jolt or electric shock. Sciatic pain often starts gradually and intensifies over time. It's likely to be worse when you sit, cough or sneeze.
Medical Approach to Sciatica
The medical approach to treating sciatica is with drugs including anti-inflammatories, analgesics and steroids. Drugs will not cure sciatica. They will only temporarily mask symptoms.
The surgical approach to treating sciatica often involves removing part of the disc (discectomy), or cutting away part of the vertebrae (laminectomy). 50% of all spinal surgeries fail (meaning that the patient's symptoms are unresolved after a 3 year follow up). There are always risks involved with surgery including complications, infection and even death. Surgery should ALWAYS your last resort, not your first approach.
The surgical approach to treating sciatica often involves removing part of the disc (discectomy), or cutting away part of the vertebrae (laminectomy). 50% of all spinal surgeries fail (meaning that the patient's symptoms are unresolved after a 3 year follow up). There are always risks involved with surgery including complications, infection and even death. Surgery should ALWAYS your last resort, not your first approach.
Chiropractic Approach
The chiropractic approach to sciatica involves adjustments to the spine & lower extremities, physiotherapies, decompression, active care rehabilitation and nutritional support (to reduce inflammation & provide specific nourishment to the peripheral nerves). This approach is safe, non-invasive and non-toxic. If you have been suffering with sciatica call my office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We can sit down together and discuss your case. I look forward to speaking with you soon!
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is generally caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. This compression may be due to lumbar spine misalignments, bulging or herniated discs, pregnancy & childbirth, tumors and non-spine disorders such as diabetes, constipation or even sitting on one's wallet in the back pocket. Piriformis syndrome is another common cause of sciatica. The piriformis is a muscle that lies directly over the sciatic nerve. If this muscle becomes tight or if you have a spasm in this muscle, it puts pressure directly on the sciatic nerve.
A proper diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, a physical examination (including a focused neurological examination of the spine and lower extremities), imaging studies (such as x-ray and MRI) and if medically necessary - some electrodiagnostic testing (to check for peripheral nerve damage).
A proper diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, a physical examination (including a focused neurological examination of the spine and lower extremities), imaging studies (such as x-ray and MRI) and if medically necessary - some electrodiagnostic testing (to check for peripheral nerve damage).
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Mahler Family Chiropractic Center 1144 Wyoming Ave. Forty Fort, PA 18704 (570)283-1610