Sciatica is a painful condition affecting the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve originates from the lumbar spine in the low back and travels past the pelvis and down the leg. Common symptoms of sciatica are leg pain on either side beginning at the back and traveling down the leg to the knee or the foot. Although many patients experience back pain as well, often times it is not as severe as the leg pain. They may also experience burning and/or tingling down the leg as well.

Cause Behind the Sciatic Pain

Often the cause behind sciatica is trauma, which can be either a singular incident left untreated or repetitive stress that has built up over the course of time such as sitting, heavy lifting, etc. This trauma causes either the pelvis or one of the lumbar vertebrae (located in the lower back) to come out of their proper positioning and get stuck. This can cause inflammation and over time start to wear down the disc, causing it to bulge into the narrow pathway the sciatic nerve exits from. This bulging has been shown to be a major cause behind the sciatic pain.

Individuals suffering with sciatica often get massages or physical therapy and see benefits, but often they are short term. Some try medications, which rarely help, but even if they did they would only be masking the pain, not correcting the cause.

Some eventually end up in surgery to create more space for the nerve to pass through uninhibited. This surgery is expensive and not always best for the patient. Unfortunately large portions of these patients who undergo spinal surgery end up seeing the problem only return awhile later.

People who have tried Chiropractic as their choice of treatment have seen phenomenal results around the world and often forego surgery altogether. Many patients note that many other symptoms of their daily life improve, better quality of sleep, and more energy throughout the day.

How Can Chiropractic Help Sciatica?

Chiropractic addresses the real cause behind the issue, which is the misalignment of the vertebrae or pelvis that is affecting the nerve. Through the Chiropractic adjustment proper motion and alignment is restored and over time the issue can be resolved.

Like all processes, healing takes time. Patience, and commitment are the keys to proper healing and resolution. The alternative, drugs or surgery, may give the immediate gratification but only mask the problem.

Live the Life of Vitality You Deserve

At Vitality Family Chiropractic we assess your problem through multiple lenses. The first is through our physical exam where we assess for inflammation and motion in the joints of the spine. The second is through our nerve scans, which use Surface EMG and Thermography to determine the exact areas of stress on the central nervous system. The last is through X-rays, which will help assess the extent of the issue and the underlying cause behind the issue. From there a specific plan is set up for you, to get you back living the life of vitality you deserve.

We encourage you to take the first step towards your wellbeing. If you’ve been suffering, help is available now.

Call (805) 379-3653 today!