Can Chiropractic Care Relieve Sciatica?
Low back pain is one of the most frequently encountered medical problems all around the world. Many people will suffer from this issue throughout their lives (some of these people will even have 2 or more bouts of debilitating low back pain over the years).
Sciatica is one specific form of low back pain. More narrowly, sciatica is an injury or irritation of the sciatic nerve, the nerve that provides signals to the majority of the leg muscles.
In this article, we will provide an overview of sciatica and demonstrate how early treatment of this condition through chiropractic care can often serve to eliminate the issue entirely.
What is Sciatica?
As was stated in the introduction, sciatica is a general term that refers to a condition that irritates the sciatic nerve.
The sciatic nerve originates from a few different segments in the lower portion of the spine, then combines into one, thick nerve as it travels down the leg. Along the way, the sciatic nerve branches off many times to provide sensory and movement signals to muscles and other tissues.
There are many places in which the sciatic nerve can become pinched (or irritated in some way). For instance, the sciatic nerve cuts through a muscle known as the piriformis. When the piriformis is very tight, it can choke out the sciatic nerve, leading to sciatica. Alternatively, the sciatic nerve can be pinched further down on its journey by the hamstring muscles.
Regardless of where the nerve is impeded, the affected patient can suffer from serious and debilitating symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Sciatica?
Sciatica symptoms can vary widely from person to person. However, there are some telltale signs of this tricky condition.
One of the most common issues seen in sciatica is a condition known as drop foot. Drop foot is a problem in which the muscles on the front of the shin no longer function as they should, leading to the patient dragging his toe as he walks.
Besides drop foot, sciatica also frequently leads to pain, sensation changes, and other similar nerve issues in the lower body.
Who Can Be Affected By Sciatica?
Sciatica frequently occurs in older adults with high BMIs. However, sciatica can be seen in anyone, anywhere. Because sciatica, and low back pain in general, can be caused by so many different underlying issues, few people will avoid experiencing this condition throughout their lifetimes.
What are the Best Treatments for Sciatica?
Because sciatica is so common, there have been tons of different proposed treatments over the years. In general, some of these treatments have been sound, science-backed strategies. Others have been ineffective and illogical ideas for the treatment of this irritating and debilitating condition.
Some clinicians (depending on their field) may recommend rest, medication, specific exercises, and even surgery.
However, in the end, if the pressure isn’t relieved from the sciatic nerve, the condition will never truly heal.
For this reason, chiropractic care often serves as the best treatment available for resolving sciatica. Better yet, chiropractic care can also be used as a preventative measure for reducing the chances of ever developing sciatica.
Chiropractic Care and Sciatica
Chiropractors work to keep patients’ spines in perfect alignment. They accomplish this task by performing spinal manipulations, also known as adjustments. These safe, effective treatments pose almost no risk to patients, and they can lead to nearly instantaneous relief.
If you are suffering from sciatica or another form of low back pain, visit your Noblesville chiropractor at Anchor Health Chiropractic. We are experts in treating sciatica and helping individuals get back on track when it comes to their health. Book your appointment today.
