If a person has experienced pain and other symptoms down one
side of the body, extending from the lower back down through the buttocks and
the back of the leg, it could be sciatica. Sciatica is defined as a set of
symptoms, such as pain, numbness and tingling sensations, or weakness usually
caused when a herniated disk or bone spur in the spine compresses the nerve. Various
other types of conditions or direct trauma from an injury can cause symptoms of
sciatica but, most of them are characterized by increased pressure on the
spine.
Living a sedentary lifestyle, improper form or injury while
participating in sports or physical activities, obesity, and age can alter the
natural function of the body and lead to sciatica.
Individuals who spend an extended period of time sitting,
especially with an incorrect slouching posture, can increase the risk of
developing spine conditions. Prolonged sitting without stretching or standing
places excess amounts of pressure on the spine. The additional stress from an
improper posture can lead to subluxations, or misalignments of the spine, a
condition which can cause an impingement of the nerves on the spine or sciatica
symptoms.
Also, performing a sport or physical activity incorrectly
can cause injury that may often result in sciatica. Individuals who frequently
twist their bodies or weight lift, most frequently experience symptoms of
sciatica. Injury isn’t always caused by strenuous exercises and workouts.
Occasionally, individuals who work in jobs that require lifting movements can
also develop pain and discomfort from this condition.
And last, physical changes in an individual’s body, such as
obesity and/or aging, can also cause sciatica. Carrying an excess of weight can
produce numerous health related complications and the extra pounds can add
excessive strain on the spine, causing damage which can result in sciatica. As
we age, the body undergoes natural degeneration of the joints and bones, most
specifically in individuals who lived sedentary lives. The deterioration of the
spine with age frequently causes herniated disks and bone spurs, conditions
which may result in sciatica.
Is Your Lifestyle Causing You Pain?
Treating Sciatica with Chiropractic
Fortunately, there are several treatment options for
individuals with sciatica symptoms. Chiropractic care for sciatica focuses on
spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to gradually restore the natural
condition of the spine. Through chiropractic treatment, a chiropractor will
work to carefully re-align the spine, reducing the stress and pressure on the
lower back causing compression on the nerves. Chiropractic can also help
alleviate any other injuries or conditions of the spine that may have been the
source of an individual’s sciatica.
Alternatively, a chiropractor may also recommend
strengthening exercises as a follow up treatment for sciatica. A consistent
exercise program developed according to each individual’s level of symptoms will
strengthen the muscles to help the body function more effectively. It’s
important to always consult a medical professional before attempting any form
of physical activity to prevent further injury for your condition.
Over the counter medications can occasionally be used
together with chiropractic treatment and exercise to temporarily relief the
symptoms of sciatica. Anti-inflammatory medications are frequently used to
reduce the inflammation around the nerve. Daily doses of certain supplements
can also help improve an individual’s overall health as well as improve certain
symptoms.
Sciatica and its associated symptoms of pain and discomfort can
be a difficult condition for many individuals to experience. If you’ve
experienced pain, numbness and tingling sensations, or weakness on the lower
back, its important to seek an immediate diagnosis to determine any possible
conditions which may be causing sciatic pain. By knowing the treatment options
for treating sciatica, individuals suffering from the condition can achieve
relief and restore their body’s natural function once more.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
