Sciatica occurs when this nerve is compressed, irritated, or inflamed. The typical referral pain of sciatica pain begins in your back or buttocks and moves down the back of your leg, radiating around the outside of your knee and lower leg into your big toe and second toe. Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the leg may also occur.
The effects of sciatic pain penetrate every aspect of life. Everyday life becomes a chore when suffering from sciatic pain; even simple tasks such as getting out of bed, coughing sneezing or even using the bathroom can become a painful experience. Those in acute Sciatic pain understand how debilitating it can be, affecting every aspect of your personal and professional life. The emotional effects can be devastating as pain restricts our ability to truly enjoy life.
Sciatica damage is an accumulation of a lifetime of neglect and improper care of the lumbar spine. With this in mind, it is essential for proper care and maintenance of the lumbar spine to prevent Sciatica from ever taking place. When Sciatica is first suspected, it is crucial that care begins immediately to prevent permanent damage or damage that requires dangerous invasive medical attention.
Many times people with sciatica wait until the pain becomes unbearable before they contact the chiropractor. Waiting can cause long-term damage. It is important that you contact your chiropractor when the pain originally begins. The first thing your chiropractor will do is review your complete health history to determine when the problem began and the possible causes. Then a complete physical and chiropractic exam is performed, and x-rays may be taken. Your chiropractor will review and discuss the results with you and make recommendations for care.
The Chiropractic approach does not cover up the symptoms associated with Sciatica, but actually finds and takes care of the underlying causes. If nerve supply is diminished at all it must be restored so the body can repair and function optimally. Along with proper chiropractic adjustments, a program of rehabilitation is prescribed to maximise soft tissue healing and to build strength and stability to the area to prevent future injuries.