Sciatica a the term that has been used to describe nerve pain that radiates from the glutes down your legs and even into your feet. The culprit is the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. When it gets irritated or compressed you will suffer with a sharp pain that runs the length of your leg and is so severe it can make you fall or have trouble standing or walking at all.
Because of the sciatic nerve’s length and location it serves several functions. It can result in pain throughout the entire lower half of the body, and can cause coughing, sneezing as well as muscle contractions.
Sciatica – What Causes It?
Some of the most common causes include:
- A Slipped disc. If the outer casing of a disc in your spine becomes herniated, the interior of the disc bulges more than it should. This can lead to compression of the sciatic nerve, resulting in pain and discomfort.
- Spinal stenosis. Sometimes the passage holding the spinal cord can become narrowed – often due to large ligaments. In some cases, this can cause compression on the sciatic nerve. Spinal stenosis often results in pain in the lower back.
- Spinal injury. If you injure your spine, or the muscles that support the spine, inflammation can press on the sciatic nerve.
- Spinal infection. This is less common, but is a potential cause of sciatic pain.
- Spondylolisthesis. This is a condition where a vertebra moves more than it should. It can either be caused by aging or repeatedly bending the spine in an unnatural way.
The amount of pain, loss of sensation or tingling can vary depending on how much the nerve has been compressed or irritated. The location of the nerve compression can also affect where the pain radiates.
What is the Treatment for Sciatica?
Each cause of sciatica requires a specific treatment plan to effectively reduce compression on the sciatic nerve and eliminate pain.
Traditional treatment for sciatica usually involves a combination of pain-killing medications and rest. This can sometimes be effective at reducing pain in the short-term. The problem is that it only treats the symptoms of sciatica, meaning the pain often returns at a later date.
Physiotherapy exercises are another common treatment. Unlike pain-killing medication, these exercises treat the underlying problem – but it’s vital that the right exercises are performed for a specific cause of sciatica. The wrong exercises can worsen pain and increase the time taken for recovery.
If you would like to learn more on how to resolve Sciatica Pain naturally with Chiropractic, Nutrition, and Massage – without medication or expensive treatments – visit www.drkasters.damonazdesign.com or call for an appointment 239-332-2555.
Chiropractor | Nutritionist in Ft Myers, FL
Chiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Add to that, nutritional recommendations that can help your body heal itself. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?
Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.