Treating Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain, stiffness, or tingling that begins in the lower part of the back and continues through the sciatic nerve in the buttocks and legs. Sciatica is not a disorder in itself, but a symptom of some other cause, usually a pinched nerve from a herniated disk in the lower back or lumbar disk herniation (LDH).

What causes sciatica?

When the spinal disc herniates, the gel-like substance between the vertebrae can create tension around the nerve causing pain in the back, thighs, feet, calves, and legs. When this happens around the lower back near the sciatic nerve, it can result in pain and dysfunction within the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body. The most common symptoms of sciatica may include pain in the buttocks, back pain around your thighs and calf muscles, tingling or feeling burning sensations in the feet and toes, muscle weakness, and numbness. You may or may not have back pain associated sciatica and leg/foot/calf pain.

How to get rid of sciatica and sciatic pain?

Symptoms of mild sciatica often disappear on its own, but do not neglect the fact that there is a cause. Moderate to severe symptoms will probably require professional care. If symptoms appear you should consult a chiropractor. A chiropractor can estimate the severity of these symptoms and find the cause of the dysfunction. If your sciatica is as a result of a herniated disk, subluxation of the vertebrae, or pinched nerves, your chiropractor will recommend a course of treatment, including spinal manipulation (also called adjustments), rehab therapy, and perhaps disk disc decompression therapy to treat the herniated disk. This can be gotten from Chiropractors. Spinal manipulations are a conservative, nonsurgical method to the treatment of sciatica obtained from lumbar disk herniation.

In a study, "Manipulation or microdiscectomy for sciatica?" in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, the effects of spinal manipulation against micro diskectomy (surgery) in patients with sciatica due to herniated disc was compared. The results of this study showed that spinal manipulation is as effective as surgery. All participants in the study suffered from chronic sciatica and did not see relief from traditional medical treatment. Sixty percent got relief from spinal manipulation relief to the same extent as if they have undergone surgery. This warrants that spinal manipulation therapy should be considered first for patients with sciatica from LDH.

This study is good news for people suffering from sciatica from a herniated disc. Chiropractic is a non-invasive, non-surgical approach and may help many patients avoid surgery. Surgery is expensive and involves the risk associated with anesthesia, infection, and the development of scar tissue, which leads to more pain and dysfunction. Chiropractic is a safe and cost-effective alternative.

How to prevent back pain and problems

• Stretching at least once a day, you want to stretch the muscles of the lower back, hamstrings, and glutes.
• Strengthen your core, not by doing sit-ups, but doing planks. These exercises strengthen your transverse abs and help stabilize your core.
• Getting regular chiropractic care from a sciatic nerve doctor or chiropractor, I recommend once every three months
• If you follow these simple steps, a lot of pain, and discomfort

Remember the body is interconnected; if muscle group A hurts, it is probably not independent of several other muscle groups. Stay informed and stay fit!

A sciatic nerve doctor or Chiropractor is a licensed doctor who is trained in the biomechanics of the entire body and how to correct them through manipulative and physical therapies. Spinal manipulation should never be done by anyone other than the best chiropractor. Visit your local Chiropractor for help managing your sciatica and low back pain.

If you are suffering from sciatica or are experiencing any sciatic pain, book an appointment with us today at our location.

In health,

Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes, D.C.