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The sciatic nerve is the largest single nerve found within
the human body, which runs from each side of the lumbar spine, through the
lumbar plexus region, and trails down into the buttocks, the back of the thigh
and into the foot.
Sciatica is a medical term used to describe a series of
symptoms rather than a single injury or condition. The most common symptom for
sciatica is lower back pain and, although low back pain can be the result of
numerous lumbar spine injuries or conditions, several other common symptoms
associated with sciatica can closely suggest its presence. Often a result of
damage or impingement of the sciatic nerve, many people affected with sciatica
experience burning and tingling sensations along the back of the thigh, usually
followed by numbness or cramping. Individuals suffering from sciatica may have
difficulty going through their regular lifestyles but chiropractic care can
help alleviate the symptoms and treat many possible underlying conditions
causing the pain and discomfort.
Identifying and diagnosing sciatica can generally be
determined if you’ve had lower back pain before as a result of trauma from an injury
or if you’ve experienced spinal stiffness which required previous medical
attention. Regular symptoms of stiffness on the back can also indicate spine
complications. When the spine becomes misaligned, its function is altered and
the nerves located along the spine, especially the sciatic nerve, can become
irritated and cause sciatica. By re-aligning the spine, a chiropractor can
reduce the stress on the nerves in order to gradually improve the injury or
condition.
Chiropractic treatment for mild to severe cases of sciatica
most commonly involves chiropractic adjustments and manual manipulations,
followed by a specialized series of stretches and exercises accommodated to
each individual’s level of injury or condition and its symptoms. Both of these
treatments together may speed up the rehabilitation process as well as improve
the health of the spine and ultimately reduce the symptoms of sciatica.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez