Sciatica Freedom!

Sciatica refers to a group of symptoms that are typically linked with lower back pain. It refers to nerve pain in the leg occurring as a result of sciatic nerve irritation or compression. Sciatica starts in the lower back and extends into the buttock, sometimes reaching all the way down the leg to the foot and toes. Additional symptoms may include numbness, pins and needles, and/or weakening in the leg. Our clients regularly show up with sciatica during their initial assessments, and is a condition we see on a regular basis.

There are several potential causes of sciatica:

• Lumbar herniated disc:  what you may know as a slipped disc or disc bulge. Pressure is applied on the spinal nerve roots that comprise the sciatic nerve, causing symptoms in one or both legs. 
• Degeneration:  tissues in the lumbar spine can compress or irritate sciatic nerve roots, causing discomfort.  This can include disc degeneration, abnormal bone formation such as bone spurs on the vertebrae, and degeneration of the facet joints that link the bones of the spine. 
• Lumbar spinal stenosis: a narrowing of the spinal canal that adults over 60 are more prone to.
• Spondylolisthesis:  occurs when a small stress fracture causes one vertebra to move forward on top of another. It can occur as a result of car accidents, sports injuries, or falls, and is more common among young adults. 
• Tightened muscles: can compress the sciatic nerve at multiple locations.
• Prolonged sitting or poor posture.
• Pregnancy.

Sciatica is very seldom brought on by tumours, infections, blood clots, fractures, or other conditions affecting the lower spine.

Sciatica symptoms are typically felt along the path of the large sciatic nerve. It is the body's longest nerve, extending from 5 nerve roots in the lower spine, travelling deep in the buttock and down the back of the thigh to the heel and sole of the foot. It plays a vital role in connecting the spinal cord with the skin and muscles of the thigh, leg, and foot. 

Symptoms of sciatica include:

• Pain: often persistent burning or shooting pain in the lower back or buttock, radiating down the front or back of the thigh and leg, and/or feet.
• Numbness: pain may also include numbness, pins & needles, tingling, and/or weakness.
• One-sided symptoms: commonly causes one-sided symptoms, particularly a feeling of heaviness in the leg. Rarely, both legs are affected simultaneously.
• Posture induced symptoms: may worsen when sitting, trying to stand, bending forward, twisting, laying down and/or coughing.

Our clinicians all have a thorough understanding of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, cartilage, muscles, and tendons. We all have experience treating people with sciatica symptoms using spinal adjustments to restore spinal alignment and ensure that muscles  and joints work properly. Our myofascial team participates in treatment by using massage and other soft tissue interventions to reduce muscle tension and inflammation, improving range of motion and facilitating healing. As the sciatic nerve is relieved of pressure, symptoms of sciatica may be alleviated. Our team's combined non-invasive treatment may reduce sciatica without the need for medication or surgery, resulting in long-term relief and enhanced mobility. This allows you to resume enjoying the activities that are significant in your life. 

To ease sciatica symptoms while waiting for your initial assessment, and in addition to treatment, you can: 

• practise correct posture 
• take breaks during your workday to move around, particularly if you are seated for extended periods 
• develop core and back strength to improve spinal support 
• stretch your hip and hamstring muscles 
• utilise hot or cold therapies to alleviate your pain

Sciatica pain can range from uncomfortable to excruciating and chiropractic treatment may help.  Sciatica is not a condition, but rather a symptom.  Visit one of our team of experts for a discovery visit or an initial assessment to begin the search for the root causes that contribute to your sciatica. At Peak, we've treated  hundreds, if not thousands, of sciatica sufferers using a combination of chiropractic adjustments and myofascial therapies. You will be educated about what may be causing your symptoms and how our methods can reduce irritation to the sciatic nerve. Allow us to help you find a solution while simultaneously enabling your body to heal itself.