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SUFFERING WITH SCIATICA?
If you are living with sciatica then chiropractic care in Collingwood might be a good treatment option. An untreated sciatic condition can continue to worsen and make the daily tasks of living go from difficult to impossible. This article is aimed at helping you to understand sciatica and explains how chiropractic treatment can help you to overcome it.
SCIATICA IN COLLINGWOOD
Although not a true medical diagnosis, the term ‘Sciatica’ has come to imply one of several of conditions where injury originating in the buttocks and/or back radiates pain down the leg as far as the foot. Other symptoms such as leg and foot numbness or weakness are present in more severe conditions. Sciatica can rage from slightly irritating to completely debilitating. This is a general guideline to help you in your quest for effective treatment, but we highly recommend that you seek a professional opinion to properly diagnose these issues.
SCIATICA ORIGINATING FROM THE BACK
Both a disc herniation, where a portion of a damaged disc between the spine bones pinches a nerve root, as well as spinal stenosis, where arthritic changes to spine reduce room for an exiting nerve root, can produce true sciatic nerve symptoms.
Since the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body that runs the back of the entire leg, is made up of nerves coming out of the lower part of the spine anything down that leg can be affected. Intense, sharp and stabbing type pain starting in the buttock and/or lower back that travels down the back of the leg to at least the calf, numbness in the leg and/or foot, and in more progressed cases weakness in the same leg can be present. In some cases both legs can be affected.
The two conditions often affect people of different ages, although there can be some overlap where certain patients have both conditions. Despite similar symptoms these conditions are treated quite differently so it is important to seek a professional diagnosis which a chiropractor can provide.
SCIATICA ORIGINATING FROM THE HIP
The hip can also produce sciatica symptoms due to certain postures, like prolonged sitting and driving, or overuse such as with running. Many of the muscles surrounding the backside of the hip in the buttock region as well as the hip joint itself can become painful and refer down the leg. These ‘psudo’-sciatica conditions mimic sciatic nerve pain, however the pain is typically the only symptom and usually only travels as far as the thigh.
In a small percentage of the population the sciatic nerve travels through, instead of around, a muscle in the back of the hip called the piriformis. In ‘piriformis syndrome’ this muscle is under tension and can compress the nerve enough to produce nerve symptoms down the leg.
SCIATICA WITH PREGNANCY
Sciatica during pregnancy can be a common symptom related to the additional weight strain on a mother’s back and hips combined with greater fluid retention. It tends to be more common if hip or back symptoms have been an issue in the past. Although most mothers report relief of sciatica symptoms almost immediately after childbirth, suffering from symptoms throughout the pregnancy is not necessary.
Chiropractic care, including muscle release work to the hips and spinal adjustments are very safe for an expecting mother. It is common for an obstetrician or midwife to refer a patient for chiropractic care during this time. Pregnancy can increase risk factors for other causes of leg pain so a proper diagnosis is essential.
OTHER ISSUES THAT CAUSE SCIATICA
Even still, other conditions can cause symptoms often mistaken for sciatica. Joint pain in the back pelvis has the potential to refer into the buttock or part way down the leg. Muscle strain of the lower back, hip and especially hamstrings can often be confused for sciatica, but is easily be distinguished by history and physical exam.
CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT FOR SCIATICA
Sciatica often progresses and worsens if left untreated, especially if the causes are not modified. Chiropractic treatment addresses the causes of sciatica, and along with some simple lifestyle modifications, can provide lasting results that will improve your quality of life.
Some people respond very quickly while others take more time to recover. It really depends on the condition of the disc, muscle or joints that the chiropractor has to address. In most cases, the longer the issue has persisted, the longer it will take to achieve resolution. The great news is that it typically takes less time to fix an issue like this than it took to create it.
Treatment can vary by patient preference including gentle muscle releases and stretches to relax the muscles surrounding the spine, non-invasive joint adjustments or even acupuncture. A chiropractor is often able to provide almost immediate symptomatic relief through a treatment approach within your comfort level.
If you are struggling with sciatica book an appointment with Muscle & Spine today for help.
