Sciatica is the inflammation of the sciatic nerve, a nerve that extends from the base of the spine, and down the leg. It can result in an extreme pain that radiates at different points along the nerve, from the lower buttocks, down to the feet. Sciatica is not a disease, but a symptom which can be caused by various conditions.
The most likely sciatica symptoms involve pain that starts in the lower spine and radiates down one, or both, of the legs. Sciatica is the result of a combined number of symptoms brought about by diverse problems in the spine. You have a herniated disc, for example, and the fluid escaping from the tough outer fibers of the disc may be compressing the sciatic nerve, causing your pain and other symptoms.
Sciatica cases in Corpus Christi
Living with sciatica in Corpus Christi is no easy task. Sciatica is a reasonably common health problem with a lifetime incidence (the number of individuals that have experienced sciatica at some point in their lives) varying from 13 to 40 percent. The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc. Sciatica is a type of radiculopathy, which is a description of a problem in which one or more nerves are affected and do not work properly. Radiculopathies are disorders that affect the nerve roots or nerves. A variety of spine disorders can cause this lower back pain, including, but not limited to:
- Disc herniation
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Facet joint osteoarthritis
- Arthropathies, a disease or an abnormality of a joint
- Spinal cord infection
- Spinal cord tumor
- Spondylolisthesis, displacement of a lumbar vertebra producing pain by compression of nerve roots
Sciatica is often diagnosed and treated by a Chiropractor, specializing in the realignment of the spine. Making a diagnosis of sciatica starts with taking a thorough medical history, including a detailed list of symptoms. When you schedule a consultation I will administer a physical exam for evidence to help in determining the origin of your sciatic pain, and what is putting pressure on the nerves in the lower back. I will then be able to make the best diagnosis based on your medical history, along with a personal testimony of your symptoms.
Sciatic Pain
Sciatic pain may last for weeks, months, and even years if left untreated. Standing, lifting, sitting, or straining any part of the back is likely to aggravate it. Lying down, and taking pressure off your spine is usually the most comfortable position to feel immediate relief. Lower back pain and leg pain might also be caused by sport injuries, or a joint disorder, such as arthritis on the hip, or sacroiliac joint. This type of pain, diagnosed properly, is called referred pain. It is quite common, but is not sciatica.
Sciatica Treatment with Cole Chiropractic
Pain relief from sciatica can easily be achieved without the need of surgery. In most cases, realignment of the spine provides long term health benefits and pain relief. Regular maintenance, including exercise, ChiroYoga, and stretching will support the healing process.
Exercises such as pilates are helpful in correcting poor muscle tone and posture, and restore the strength of your back and stability. Pilates can often improve sciatic pain and also help to prevent future episodes. Exercise and diet are the two foundations of this approach. Another important observation is to review your routine daily activities and look for habits or postures that are placing stress on your back.
Exercising your abdominal and back muscles regularly may help you stabilize the spine. In order to avoid further back injury, you might consider learning some stretching exercises to keep good posture. ChiroYoga has also been shown to provide a long term solution for healthy spine.
Lower back pain ranks second only to the common cold as a leading reason of missed time at work by American workers. According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as a quarter of all American adults will experience lower back pain over any given three month period, and eight of ten people will have lower back pain at one time in their life.
Since sciatic pain can be caused by any number of potentially more serious problems, it is important you come in for a consultation and prevent exposure to greater injuries, making matters worse. I specialize in the following treatments for your sciatica, which may be individual or used in combination to provide easy and convenient solutions for your discomfort:
Flexion Distraction which is a process that carefully realigns and adjusts the spine over a period of time.
Muscle Testing which is a holistic approach to the physical diagnosis of the strengths and weakness of the muscles in the area related to the proper function of nerves.
Applied Kinesiology which in relation to muscle testing, is treatment that targets improved movement of the head and shoulders.
Nutrition Response Testing may be used to help heal the body from within. It is a healing and preventative treatment that contributes to improving overall wellness by properly fueling the organs in your body.
Corpus Christi Sciatica Chiropractor
I believe my experience and proven track record of success in healing all kinds of spinal problems is a valid and effective remedy to reduce and eliminate your discomfort. I sincerely hope you will contact me and take advantage of my thorough consultation. We both share the same goal for your pain and your overall wellness. ~ Dr. Cole