An all too common health complaint.
The sciatic nerves are the largest (and longest) nerves of the body,
reaching about the size of your thumb in diameter, and running down the
back of each leg. When these nerves are irritated or affected by the
inflammation of nearby soft tissues, doctors refer to this as sciatica.
One of the most common causes of sciatic leg pain is the Vertebral Subluxation
Complex. It can be accompanied by the bulging or herniation of the soft
pulpy discs which separate each spinal bone. This can irritate or put
pressure on the sciatic nerve roots as they leave the spinal cord. The
result can be an intense pain shooting down either or both legs.
In the past, treatment has involved pain medications, muscle relaxers,
physical therapy, and even surgery. The chiropractic approach is to use
carefully directed and controlled pressure to remove the interference
from spinal structures. These chiropractic adjustments can be quite effective
in reducing nerve irritation and its associated pain.
Sciatica, like other health problems that can be traced to the spine,
often respond dramatically to the restoration of normal spinal function
through conservative chiropractic care.
Research shows that when treated with chiropractic adjustments, sciatica
has an 8-9% greater rate of recovery that if patients were to use therapy
or standard medical care.
The largest nerves of the body.
Pain is caused when the sciatic nerve roots are irritated, scraped, twisted,
stretched or pinched as they exit the spine. Causes of the impairment
may be chemical, physical or the emotional stress of everyday living.
A full-blown sciatic flare-up can involve the entire sciatic nerve path
resulting in symptoms of lower back pain, burning, cramping or numbness
that radiates into the thighs, legs, ankles, feet and toes. Pain may
also be limited to various points along the nerve, such as the buttocks,
knee area and calf.
THE CHIROPRACTIC LIFESTYLE
Chiropractors are experts in the care of the bones, nerves, muscles and
connective tissues that make up about 60% of your body. All of the joints
in your body are part of this musculo-skeletal system and its optimal function
is necessary for overall good health. Ask your Doctor of Chiropractic for
more information about a care program that may include specific spinal
adjustments, exercise recommendations, nutritional advice or other conservative
methods of care based on your health history, age, current condition and
lifestyle.
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