Sciatica
Sciatica, by definition, refers to pain that travels down the sciatic nerve, or along the back of the thigh. The cause of sciatica is from something putting pressure on the sciatic nerve or nerve roots that make up part of the sciatic nerve, most commonly, a herniated disc or a bone spur. It is important to note that sciatica is a symptom and not a diagnosis. The cause of the sciatica is the diagnosis. When someone reports “I have sciatica” they are really saying, they have pain going down their leg. This is neither a clear understanding of the problem nor does it guide one to the appropriate treatment.
Compression of the sciatic nerve may come from an injury to the disc, degenerative changes in the spine, muscular tightness, infection, a vascular lesion, trauma, a tumor in the pelvic viscera, pregnancy or other neurological conditions which affects the function of the nervous system.
Sciatica can occur in anyone at any age, however, typically, it is more common during the ages of 30-50. In the younger ages, sciatica is most commonly a result of a disc bulge. In those over 50, sciatica is typically a result of degenerative or age related changes to the spine.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Low back pain
Buttock or leg pain
Numbness or tingling down the leg and/or into the foot
Leg or foot weakness
Pain with sitting
Pain that is worse first thing in the morning
Increased pain with coughing, sneezing or bowel movements
Chiropractic is an excellent treatment option for sciatica that is the result of a disc, joint or muscle injury. The aim with chiropractic care in treating sciatica is to take the pressure off of the sciatic nerve, improve pain and functioning.
Treatment options
flexion-distraction
A treatment that uses a specialized table to help distract (pull apart) the vertebrae from one another while adding flexion to the spine. This action takes pressure off of the nerve roots that combine to form the sciatic nerve
soft tissue
In some cases, the compression of the sciatic nerve can cause muscular spasms or tightness. Utilizing various soft tissue techniques, the affected muscles are also addressed.
corrective exercise
Depending on the degree of compression, some muscles may become weak with sciatica. Specific exercises are prescribed to aid in the correction of lost motions or areas of weakness.
Laser Therapy
Can be used initially as a mechanism to help with inflammation and pain control.
Flexion-Distraction
Designed to treat disc injuries including bulged discs and degenerative discs, a flexion-distraction table can also treat those with osteoporosis. When spines are fragile, but still need care, a flexion-distraction table still enables movement of the spine, with less bending and twisting as a regular diversified adjustment. The table can also to be positioned to derotate or straighten a spine with scoliosis to allow full joint opening during exercises or adjustments.
FAQs for Hamilton Chiropractic Care
Have questions about what to expect from chiropractic care in Hamilton at MMD Chiropractic Health Centre? Find answers to your most common questions below. You'll learn about our services, what to expect during your treatment, and the steps to begin your care.
Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?
Definitely. Firstly, chiropractors are excellent assessors. In order to determine the source of the sciatica, the chiropractor will assess you to determine why you are having pain going down your leg. Through various chiropractic techniques, treatment involves taking pressure off of the nerve and allowing the vertebrae to move better. In some instances, sciatica can result from tight muscles, in which case, soft tissue treatment, stretching or strengthening exercises will be used.
How long does sciatica usually last?
Sciatica can be a very quick problem to work through, or for some, there are more extensive disc and spine issues which can make resolution of symptoms take longer. Each case is individually evaluated and given a treatment protocol that is unique to its specific case.
What causes sciatica?
There are several different causes of sciatica. Sciatica is simply a term used to describe pain that goes down the leg in the distribution of the sciatic nerve. The most common cause of sciatica is compression of the nerve at the level of the lumbar spine. Disc bulges, degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine osteoarthritis, ligamentum flava hypertrophy, degenerative joint disease, soft tissue lesions, soft tissue tumors, muscle spasms, peripheral nerve entrapment, are some but not all of the causes of sciatica. Learn more.
What makes sciatica worse, and what can I do at home to ease it?
This is dependent on the source of the problem. However, for the most common causes of sciatica, compression at the lumbar spine, the following can worsen your symptoms. Reaching for your toes with a straight knee, sitting with your leg(s) raised on a stool, flexion at your spine to lift an object, sometimes, coughing, sneezing or bowel movements may increase pain.
When should I see a chiropractor versus my family doctor for sciatica?
Chiropractors assess and treat sciatica daily. However, you have to be able to physically get to the chiropractors office and be able to sit or move enough to position yourself on the chiropractic table. If the pain is too intense that you can’t physically move, you may need to discuss some pain treatment options with your family doctor in order for you to get to the chiropractor’s office. Definitely if you have had any of the following symptoms, you need to see your family doctor. These include sudden unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fever. If you ever experience saddle paresthesia (numbness or tingling in the groin region), loss of bowel or bladder function (unable to go or unable to hold it) you need to go to the nearest emergency room.
We look forward to helping you with sciatica at our Hamilton, Ontario clinic. Call 905-529-2911 or use our online booking by clicking below to book your initial assessment.