Sciatica

Being told you have sciatica is not a complete diagnosis in and of itself. Like any type of back pain, sciatica is a symptom of a broader musculoskeletal issue in the body. Perhaps you're suffering from a low back nerve impingement syndrome, have low back subluxations or have a bulging disc. Whatever condition you have, it's important to identify the root cause of your symptoms to enjoy lasting relief.

What causes sciatica?

As the largest nerve in the human body, the great sciatic nerve runs from the base of the lumbar spine through the buttocks and down the back of the leg all the way down to the foot and toes. Anything that impinges or irritates the sciatic nerve can result in burning, tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, or pain at any point along the nerve pathway.

Impingement of the sciatic nerve is often the result of lumbar disc herniation (bulging disc) or degenerative bone spurs. Disc herniations occur when the jelly-like center of a spinal disc bulges outside of the tougher exterior layers of the disc. The resulting bulge can place pressure on the sciatic nerve and irritate it. Overgrowths of bone in the spine (bone spurs) and more rarely, tumors, can also impinge the sciatic nerve. Arthritis can also contribute to irritation of the sciatic nerve as the joints in the lower back deteriorate with misalignment over time.

Even in the absence of direct pressure on the sciatic nerve, injury to the surrounding soft tissues like the muscle can spark the release of inflammatory chemicals which irritate the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica.

Risk Factors for Sciatica:

• Subluxations or Vertebral Misalignments
• Arthritis
• Occupation (jobs that involve lifting, twisting, bending, or operating a vibrating vehicle)
• Being Overweight or Obese
• Prolonged sitting
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy

How Can Chiropractic Help Sciatica?

Most cases of sciatica can be relieved without the use of surgery or drugs by employing conservative chiropractic care coupled with exercise. Dozens of medical studies have attested to the success of chiropractic care for back pain, lumbar disc herniation, and sciatica. Chiropractic adjustments can relieve pressure on the impinged sciatica nerve, restore mobility and ease pain.

Rehabilitative exercise can help support the chiropractic adjustment and ease sciatic nerve pain. As chiropractic facilitates the repair of damaged tissues, the structure is strengthened, function is regained and future episodes of pain are prevented. Chiropractic is a powerful and potent source of help for patients with sciatica.

How much longer will you permit sciatica to prevent you from participating in work and leisure activities? Dr. Dahlager offers safe, affordable and effective treatment for the causes of sciatica. Reclaim your life. Call to schedule your appointment with Dr. Dahlager at Noblesville Family Chiropractic today.

Call our clinic at (317) 214-7218 for a check-up today
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We provide chiropractic care to patients in Noblesville, IN; Westfield, IN; Fishers, IN; Carmel, IN; Arcadia, IN; Atlanta, IN; Cicero, IN; Sheridan, IN and surrounding areas in Hamilton County.