Sciatica Defined:
Sciatica is a term used to describe Lumbar Radiculopathy (illness of the Sciatic spinal nerve bundle) and is not a diagnosis but a description of a pathway of pain where symptoms follow the distribution of the Sciatic Nerve.
Pain and symptoms of Sciatica are typically experienced on one side only when the Sciatic nerve is physically compressed. Inflammation and swelling in the surrounding tissues are thought to be related to and/or worsen the compression.
The sciatic nerve branches into smaller peripheral nerves as it travels, providing sensory input and controls many muscles in your lower limbs.
BOOK ONLINERisk Factors:
- Age: Changes occur in the spine as we age as discs lose water content and joints tend to degenerate. Disc herniations are the most common causes of sciatica and usually occur before age 60.
- Diabetes: This condition, which affects the way your body uses blood sugar, increases your risk of nerve damage.
- History of Trauma: Car accidents, Sport or work-related trauma
- Occupational: Jobs that require twisting the back, carrying heavy loads, or sitting and driving a for extended periods
- Prolonged Sitting: People who sit for extended periods of time or have a sedentary lifestyle
Sciatic Nerve Pain can be very severe and significantly impact your quality of life.
Most people recover fully from sciatica, often without treatment, Sciatica can potentially cause permanent nerve damage. Seek immediate medical attention if you have:
- Loss of feeling in the affected leg
- Weakness in the affected leg
- Loss of bowel or bladder function
Natural pain relief from nerve inflammation:
People may have to wait up to a year for their sciatica to resolve on its own. Waiting that long is often unnecessary and to speed recovery, conservative care including Chiropractic adjustments are usually recommended as a first-line treatment for Sciatica.
The European Spine Journal published the results of a clinical trial, which showed proof that Chiropractic adjustments are successful in treating Sciatica. The study showed a 72% success rate compared to just a 20% success rate for those treated with physical therapy and a 50% success rate for those treated with corticosteroid injections.
If you have a specific question about Sciatica treatment and are looking for some advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Call My Toronto Chiropractor Health Clinic at (647) 349-4909 or to ask Dr. Leslie Horowitz a question, complete the form below: