Sciatica Relief
Are you struggling with Sciatica?
Every week, Dr. Lauren sees people in our Jacksonville office who are in pain from sciatica. We can help you too but let's learn a little more about these problems first!
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a symptom, not a cause. It is a term used to describe irritation of the sciatic nerve, which is the widest and longest nerve in the human body. This nerve begins in the lower back and runs through the buttock and down the back of the leg. It eventually branches off into smaller nerves that supply most of the leg, ankle, and foot. Sciatica can occur when there is compression of the sciatic nerve or nearby nerves. When this compression occurs, it often causes shooting pain or numbness in the lower back. At times, sciatica pain can even radiate down into the buttocks, back of the thighs, calves, and feet. The intensity of this pain will vary from person to person.
Signs of Sciatica
Shooting pain down the back of the leg, into the calf and sometimes into the feet and toes
Numbness and tingling
Burning sensations
Weakness of the leg
Pain may be sharp at times and disrupt normal daily activities like sleep, walking, and driving
What causes Sciatica?
There are many potential causes of Sciatica. Some of the more common ones are:
Herniated Discs
Spinal stenosis
Spinal subluxation (misalignment)
Degenerative disc disease
Diabetes
Tumors
Nutritional Deficiencies
Pregnancy and childbirth
How can Chiropractic help?
Research has shown that subluxations in your spine can create inflammation and irritate the nerve roots which eventually form the sciatic nerve. Studies have also shown that nerve roots can be stimulated through the motion of the vertebrae during a chiropractic adjustment. We have seen many practice members at our office in Jacksonville who have sciatica and many of them report greater relief, fewer days of pain during recovery, and fewer drugs needed to cope with the pain and discomfort. Since there are many disorders that cause sciatica, the first step is to determine what is causing Sciatica. Dr. Lauren will perform a thorough health history and physical examination to determining the source of your sciatic nerve problem. She will then work to restore proper alignment to your spine, relieving pressure on your nervous system. Corrections of these subluxations (misalignments) in your spine can provide relief of sciatic pain. In some severe cases, more invasive medical care may be required to treat you, but consider the safe and effective nature of Chiropractic. With all of the risks associated with surgery and medications, we recommend you try a conservative and safe measure first.