As a Wichita Chiropractor for more than twenty years, I have assisted a significant number of individuals suffering from sciatic pain, therefore, I’m genuinely aware from experience just how debilitating the pain from sciatica can be. Sciatica sufferers are regrettably all too familiar with the deep radiating pain that accompanies their waking hours each day and inhibits almost all of their daily activities.
Are you concerned that your low back pain could be generated by sciatica? You are more than likely experiencing 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 shoots into your knee(s). Moreover, sitting, as well as movement, can be painful. Commonly lying down will reduce, or perhaps even temporarily get rid of the pain. But, it’s important for you to know that sciatica cannot be corrected without appropriate care.
Radiculopathy
One of the clinical diagnoses of sciatica is known as a “radiculopathy”, a medical term that means simply that a disc has protruded from its normal position in the spine and is pressing on the radicular nerve (nerve root) in the lower back, which forms part of the sciatic nerve. This kind of pressure is extremely painful.
Additional pressure on the intervertebral discs, as well as imbalances in the muscles encompassing the spine, can happen during and after long periods of sitting, specifically in an improper position. Usually, a specific event or injury doesn’t cause sciatica, but rather sciatica is likely to evolve over time as a result of ordinary wear and tear on the structures of the lower spine. Over the course of time the lower spine can lose its ability to function normally during everyday stresses.
When this takes place, the intervertebral disc incurs small fissures or cracks that then permit the soft nucleus to protrude the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it produces the pain that is commonly called a ruptured, or slipped, disc. If the disc presses on the spinal nerve, sciatica is likely to develop. Fortunately, most disc problems, including sciatica, can be totally alleviated with chiropractic adjustments and therapy that frequently includes postural exercises.
Periformis Syndrome
Another condition that creates sciatic pain is periformis syndrome. Periformis syndrome happens when the periformis muscle, which is superficial to the sciatic nerve, goes into spasm and irritates the nerve. Along with chiropractic manipulation, this particular sciatica can be significantly relieved by sciatica stretches that your chiropractor will advise you on.
If you are experiencing sciatic pain, it is essential for you to seek chiropractic attention. If you are in the Wichita area, as your Chiropractor in Wichita, I look forward to helping you to get out of pain and get your life back!