I understand from more than twenty years experience as a Chiropractor in Wichita assisting patients suffering from sciatic pain that the affliction can be extremely disabling. Those who suffer from sciatica are regrettably all too familiar with the deep radiating pain that persists during the day and interferes with almost all of their daily activities.
There is a way to figure out if your low back pain is generated by sciatica. You are more than likely suffering from sciatica if your pain radiates from your low back, through your buttock(s), down the large sciatic nerve in the back of one or both legs, and possibly penetrates into one or both knees. In addition, sitting, as well as motion, can be painful. Frequently lying down will decrease, or occasionally even temporarily get rid of the pain. But, you should be warned that sciatica cannot be corrected without proper care.
Radiculopathy
A radiculopathy is a medical term used to describe a condition where a disc has protruded from its normal position in the vertebral column and is creating pressure on the radicular nerve (nerve root) that forms part of the sciatic nerve in the lower back. Such pressure can produce excruciating pain.
Added pressure on the intervertebral discs, as well as imbalances in the muscles encasing the spine, can happen during and after prolonged sitting, specifically in an awkward position. Generally, a specific event or injury doesn’t cause sciatica, more often sciatica has a tendency to develop over time due to everyday wear and tear on the vertebrae of the lower spine. Eventually the lower spine can lose its ability to function normally during common stresses.
When this takes place, the intervertebral disc incurs small fissures or cracks that then let the soft nucleus to protrude the disc outward. Pain is produced as the disc pushes on sensitive tissues. This condition is often known as a ruptured, or slipped, disc. If the disc presses on the spinal nerve, an individual can develop sciatica. The good news is that most disc challenges, including sciatica, can be significantly decreased with chiropractic manipulation and therapy that often includes postural exercises.
Periformis Syndrome
Another cause of sciatic pain is periformis syndrome. Periformis syndrome happens when the periformis muscle, which is superficial to the sciatic nerve, goes into spasm and irritates the nerve. In combination with chiropractic adjustments, this kind of sciatica can be significantly relieved by sciatica stretches that your chiropractor can recommend.
If you are experiencing sciatic pain, it is crucial for you to seek chiropractic attention. If you are in the Wichita area, as your Wichita Chiropractor, I look forward to helping you to get out of pain and get your life back!