I am aware from over twenty years experience as a Chiropractor in Wichita helping individuals suffering from the pain of sciatica that the condition can be extremely incapacitating. Those who suffer from sciatica are sadly all too familiar with the kind of deep pain that frequently radiates through the lower part of their body, persists during the day and interferes with almost all of their daily activities.
Here’s how you can ascertain if your low back pain is generated by sciatica. You are probably experiencing sciatica if your pain radiates from your low back, through one or both sides of your buttocks, down the large sciatic nerve in the back of your leg(s), and possibly penetrates into your knee(s). Moreover, sitting, as well as movement, can be painful. Commonly lying down will lessen, or perhaps even temporarily eliminate the pain. Even so, it’s important for you to be aware that sciatica will not go away without appropriate care.
Radiculopathy
A radiculopathy is a medical term used to describe a condition where a disc has protruded from its natural position in the spine and is creating pressure on the radicular nerve, or nerve root, that forms part of the sciatic nerve in the lower back. This kind of pressure is extremely painful.
Prolonged sitting, particularly in an awkward position, can create imbalances in the muscles enclosing the spine and increased pressure on the intervertebral discs. Usually, a specific event or injury doesn’t cause sciatica, more often sciatica has a tendency to develop over time due to general wear and tear on the structures of the lower spine. After a while the lower spine can lose its normal functioning capabilities during everyday stresses.
Ultimately, the intervertebral disc incurs small fissures or cracks that then allow the soft nucleus to protrude the disc outward. Pain is generated as the disc pushes on sensitive tissues. This condition is frequently known as a ruptured, or slipped, disc. If the disc presses on the spinal nerve, sciatica is likely to develop. Fortunately, most disc challenges, including sciatica, can be significantly decreased with chiropractic manipulation and management that often includes postural exercises.
Periformis Syndrome
Another condition that creates sciatic pain is periformis syndrome. Periformis syndrome occurs when the periformis muscle, for whatever reason, goes into spasm and irritates the sciatic nerve, is superficial to the nerve Along with chiropractic treatment, this type 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!
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