I understand as a San Diego Chiropractor for more than twelve years, treating those suffering from sciatic pain, that sciatica can be an extremely incapacitating condition. Those who suffer from sciatica are regrettably all too familiar with the kind of deep pain that often radiates through the lower part of their body, accompanies their waking hours each day and interferes with almost all of their daily activities.
Could your low back pain be generated by 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 one or both legs, and possibly radiates into your knee(s), you are more than likely suffering from sciatica. Also, sitting, as well as movement, can be painful. Commonly lying down will lessen, or occasionally even temporarily get rid of the pain. However, it’s important for you to be aware that sciatica cannot be corrected without appropriate treatment.
Radiculopathy
One of the clinical diagnoses of sciatica is referred to as a “radiculopathy”, a medical term that means simply that a disc has protruded from its natural position in the vertebral column and is putting pressure on the radicular nerve (nerve root) in the lower back, which forms part of the sciatic nerve. Such pressure can cause excruciating pain.
Prolonged sitting, particularly in an improper position, can produce imbalances in the muscles enclosing the spine and added pressure on the intervertebral discs. A specific event or injury isn’t generally the cause of sciatica, but rather sciatica tends to develop over time as a consequence of ordinary wear and tear on the structures of the lower spine. After a while the lower spine can lose its normal functioning capabilities during ordinary stresses.
Ultimately, the intervertebral disc incurs small fissures or cracks, which then permit the soft nucleus to protrude the disc outward. Pain is created as the disc pushes on sensitive tissues. This occurrence is often referred to as a ruptured, or slipped, disc. Sciatica is the result of the disc pressing on the spinal nerve. Fortunately, most disc conditions, including sciatica, can be completely relieved with chiropractic adjustments and therapy that usually includes postural exercises.
Periformis Syndrome
Periformis syndrome is another condition that results in sciatic pain. Periformis syndrome happens when the periformis muscle, for any reason, goes into spasm and irritates the sciatic nerve, which runs “deep to the muscle.” Along with chiropractic adjustments, this particular sciatica can be significantly relieved by sciatica stretches that your chiropractor can recommend.
It is essential for you to see your chiropractor for treatment if you are experiencing sciatic pain. If you are in the San Diego area, I invite you to call my San Diego chiropractic Office. I look forward to helping you to get out of pain and get your life back!
