As a Wichita Chiropractor for over twenty years, I have helped a significant number of people suffering from sciatic pain, therefore, I’m genuinely aware from experience just how disabling the pain from sciatica can be. Sciatica sufferers are sadly all too familiar with the kind of deep pain that often radiates through the lower part of their body, persists during the day and inhibits almost all of their daily activities.
Could your low back pain be generated by sciatica? You are more than likely suffering from sciatica if your pain radiates from your low back, through your buttock(s), down the large sciatic nerve in the back of one or both legs, and possibly penetrates into your knee(s). Moreover, not just activity, but even sitting can be painful. Frequently lying down will reduce, or perhaps even temporarily eliminate the pain. Even so, it’s important for you to know that sciatica cannot be corrected without appropriate care.
Radiculopathy
A radiculopathy is a medical term that describes a condition where a disc has protruded from its natural position in the spine and is putting pressure on the radicular nerve (nerve root) that forms part of the sciatic nerve in the lower back. Such pressure can generate excruciating pain.
Added pressure on the intervertebral discs, as well as imbalances in the muscles encasing the spine, can take place during and after long periods of sitting, especially with bad posture. More often than not, a particular event or injury doesn’t cause sciatica, but rather sciatica is likely to evolve over time as a consequence of everyday wear and tear on the vertebrae of the lower spine. Over the course of time the lower spine can lose its ability to function normally during ordinary stresses.
If this occurs, the intervertebral disc undergoes 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. Sciatica is the result of the disc pressing on the spinal nerve. Fortunately, most disc challenges, including sciatica, can be totally alleviated with chiropractic manipulation and therapy that usually includes postural exercises.
Periformis Syndrome
Periformis syndrome is another cause of sciatic pain. Periformis syndrome develops 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 can recommend.
It is essential for you to seek chiropractic attention if you are experiencing sciatic pain. If you are in the Wichita area, as your Wichita Chiropractor, I look forward to helping you to get out of pain and get your life back!