Sciatica is the irritation of the sciatic nerve, which is the largest of all the body's nerves and runs from the lumbar spine down the back of the leg. Irritation of the sciatic nerve can be caused by several things such as a herniated or protruding disc, osteoarthritis, misaligned vertebrae, or even muscle spasms. Symptoms of sciatica can include pain, numbness or tingling, and weakness in the lower extremity. These symptoms come from either direct compression of the nerve or through chemical irritation when inflammation is present. Chiropractic care is often successful in treating sciatica conservatively.
Chiropractic Manipulation
The most common cause of sciatica is a loss of proper motion in the lumbar spine which eventually allows irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. Chiropractic manipulation, or adjustments, can help restore motion to restricted vertebral segments allowing full and proper function. This helps take stress off the entire system allowing the irritation and inflammation to abate and muscle spasms to decrease.
Ice
The use of ice is an important step in the acute stage of sciatica. It can help reduce muscle spasm and inflammation. It can also help reduce pain.
Electrical Stimulation
Muscle stimulation is a technique common in the physical therapy world where electrodes are placed on the muscles of the back. A small amount of electricity is introduced into the muscles causing them to fatigue and relax. It is also very effective at driving out inflammation.
Flexion/Distraction
This technique is accomplished on a specialized table that your chiropractor may have in his office. The table is split in the middle and with the patient laying face down, the bottom piece of the table lowers and then raises repetitively. According to CoxTechnic.com this movement drops pressure within the disc, widens the spinal canal, reduces pressure on the spinal nerves, and return motions to spinal joints.
Spinal Decompression
There are a variety of ways to accomplish spinal decompression, but the goal in each is to stretch the spine enough to cause negative pressure to build up within the discs. This negative pressure helps pull a herniated disc back into its normal confines taking pressure off of the nerves. It also introduces motion into spinal segments which will reduce spasm and inflammation.
