Sciatica

Sciatica an all too common health complaint

The sciatica nerves are the largest (and longest) nerves of the body, typically the size of your thumb in diameter. Each of the two sciatica nerves is formed by four or five nerves branching off each side of the spinal cord and running down the back of each leg. When these nerves are irritated or affected by the inflammation of nearby soft tissues, doctors refer to this as sciatica. The result can be an intense pain shooting down either or both legs. Specifically, pain is caused when the sciatica nerve roots are irritated, twisted, stretched or pinched as they exit the spine. One of the most common causes of sciatic leg pain is the Vertebral Subluxation. This occurs when spinal bones lose their proper motion and alignment. A bulging or herniation of the soft pulpy discs, which separate each spinal bone, can accompany it.

This impairment usually involves some type of acute physical stress such as improper lifting, but could also start with the inactivity of a seated job or poor posture. The emotional stress of everyday living and chemical stress from a poor diet or too many medications may aggravate this condition. A full-blown sciatic flare-up can involve the entire sciatic nerve path resulting in symptoms of lower back pain, burning, cramping or numbness that radiates into the thighs, legs, ankles, feet and toes. The pain produced by sciatica may also be limited to various points along the nerve, such as the buttocks, knees and lower leg.

In the past, treatment has involved pain medications, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and even surgery. The most conservative and effective approach involves chiropractic adjustments to the spine. Doctors of chiropractic are trained intensely over several years to correct the underlying cause of sciatica. They use carefully directed and controlled pressure to remove the interference from spinal structures. These specific techniques, called chiropractic adjustments, have helped countless individuals by reducing nerve irritation and its associated pain.

Sciatica, like other health problems that can be traced to the spine, often responds dramatically to the restoration of normal spinal function through conservative chiropractic care. Research shows that when treated with chiropractic adjustments, sciatica cases have an 8-9% greater rate of recovery than if patients were to use therapy or standard medical care. Doctor Larson has had great success treating individuals with this painful condition. Call today to schedule a thorough examination. Don’t suffer needlessly. Call 941-363-6744 today!