Sciatica is common and affects up to 40% of the general population. Different types include acute, chronic, alternating, and bilateral sciatica. The sciatic nerve comprises three specific nerve roots in the lower back. The three nerves originate in the L4 and L5 vertebrae and the sacrum, just below the vertebrae. The nerve then branches off and runs through the back of each thigh. Injury, compression, or irritation of these nerves can cause various symptoms, including numbness, tingling, electrical shooting pain, and muscle spasms in the low back, the leg, and the foot. Chiropractic care can realign the spine, relax the muscles, release compression and relieve sciatica.
Acute, Chronic, Alternating, and Bilateral Sciatica
Acute
Acute pain can be brought on by sudden irritation to the nerves that have become pinched, compressed, or a combination.
Causes a constant burning or shooting sensation through the low back, buttocks, down the leg, and possible hip discomfort.
It becomes worse when sitting.
It can cause immediate and short-term pain lasting for 1-2 weeks.
Chronic
Chronic sciatica can last for months or years on and off or continuously.
It can be caused or worsened by inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, injuries, infections, and spinal misalignment issues.
It can resolve but will come back without treatment or lifestyle and activity adjustments.
Bilateral
Sciatica typically takes place in one leg; it has been known to be bilateral and experienced in both legs.
This type of sciatica is rare but can occur from degenerative changes in the vertebrae and/or the discs at several spinal levels.
If there is pain in both legs, it is likely not a herniation but degenerative changes like spinal stenosis.
The symptoms can range from infrequent to irritating to severe and debilitating.
Weakness may be felt in the leg and foot, or a feeling of heaviness, making it difficult to lift the foot off the floor.
Alternating
Alternating sciatica affects both legs alternately. It is usually connected to bilateral sciatica that switches sides.
This type is rare and can result from degenerative problems in the sacroiliac joint, the joint connecting the spine to the hips, or sacroiliac arthritis.
Spinal Sources
Sciatica occurs when L4, L5, and/or S1 nerve roots are affected.
L4 Nerve Root
Pain in the hip, thigh, inner medial areas or the knee, and the calf.
Weakness in the thigh and hip muscles.
Reduced knee-jerk reflex.
Loss of sensation around the calf.
L5 Nerve Root
Pain in the buttock and the outer area of the thigh.
Weakness in the buttock and leg muscles.
Difficulty moving the ankle and lifting the big toe upward.
Loss of sensation between the big toe and the second toe.
S1 Nerve Root
Known as classic sciatica.
Pain in the buttock, back of the calf, and side of the foot.
Fatigue in the buttock and foot muscles.
Difficulty and discomfort raising the heel off the ground or walking on tiptoes.
Loss of sensation in the foot’s outer side, including the third, fourth, and fifth toes.
Chiropractic care can directly address the root cause of the problem, treat the cause, and alleviate the symptoms. Chiropractic manipulation is recommended by the American College of Physiciansas a first line of treatment for back pain before medication, muscle relaxants, injections, and surgery. Treatments to address sciatic nerve impingement:
Ice/Cold Therapy
Reduces inflammation and swelling.
Prepares the patient for massage and adjustments.
Therapeutic Tissue Massage
This therapy promotes muscle relaxation and lessens the muscle spasm/recoil response.
Ultrasound
Soothing heat created by sound waves penetrates the muscles, increases circulation, and relaxes the muscles to alleviate spasms, stiffness, and pain.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation/Tens Unit
A muscle stimulation machine applies electrical impulses to relax the muscles and untangle muscle knots.
Spinal Manipulation
This process realigns the spine to move properly and restores vertebral health.
Stretches and Exercises
This ensures treatment will last once treatment has or is coming to an end.
Spinal Decompression
Pulls and stretches the body to release any compression on the nerve roots and infuse circulation back into the discs.
The pressure is taken off the sciatic nerve, and routine adjustments will retrain the muscles to maintain their re-alignment. The duration of treatment will vary based on the root cause of sciatica. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual patient’s situation.
Severe and Complex Sciatica Syndromes
References
Davis D, Maini K, Vasudevan A. Sciatica. [Updated 2022 May 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/
Hernández C.P., Sanchez N., Navarro-Siguero A., Saldaña M.T. (2013) What is Sciatica and Radicular Pain?. In: Laroche F., Perrot S. (eds) Managing Sciatica and Radicular Pain in Primary Care Practice. Springer Healthcare, Tarporley. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-907673-56-6_1
Kumar, M. Epidemiology, pathophysiology and symptomatic treatment of sciatica: A review. nt. J. Pharm. Bio. Arch. 2011, 2.
Ngnitewe Massa R, Mesfin FB. Herniation, Disc. [Updated 2018 Oct 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441822/
Ombregt L. The dural concept. In: A System of Orthopaedic Medicine. Elsevier; 2013:447-472.e4. doi:10.1016/b978-0-7020-3145-8.00033-8
Witenko, Corey, et al. “Considerations for the appropriate use of skeletal muscle relaxants for the management of acute low-back pain.” P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management vol. 39,6 (2014): 427-35.
Wright R, Inbody SB. Radiculopathy and Degenerative Spine Disease. In: Neurology Secrets. Elsevier; 2010:121-130. doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-05712-7.00007-6
Herniated, slipped, or ruptured discs affect 80% or more of the population. Most individuals don’t even realize they suffered a vertebral subluxation, as it shifted slightly but returned on its own and healed itself. Herniated disc/s symptoms can subside over time and can heal on their own. However, there are times when chiropractic is necessary to help the slipped or ruptured disc back into correct alignment and to help prevent re-injury or the development of new ones.
When Chiropractic Is Necessary
When an individual’s ability to move is limited is definitely when chiropractic is necessary. Individuals twist and turn their bodies, and the rotational force that comes from lifting and moving objects at home, work, school, sports, or lifting weights increases the risk of disc injury.
The lumbar spine or lower back is the most common location for a herniated disc injury.
The pain can spread to the glutes and legs, causing sciatica or sciatica-like symptoms.
When back pain spreads to the shoulder through the arm, it s caused by a herniated neck/cervical disc.
When the cushioning material from the disc/nucleus pulposus presses on surrounding nerves, it causes inflammation, pain, and numbness.
Individuals can suffer a herniated disc after changing a flat tire, stepping/slipping out of the bath/shower, or coughing and sneezing.
Healing
Herniated discs can be treated with ice packs and heat, over-the-counter medications, and anti-inflammatories. However, if these approaches are not producing results, chiropractic and physical therapy could be necessary to address the pain, reactivate the body’s healing system, and get the body’s circulation energy flowing. Exercises/movements are recommended depending on the injury to allow the musculoskeletal system to realign and circulate the nutrient-rich blood.
Evaluation
The chiropractic team must check if the individual is cleared for chiropractic care. Some individuals cannot undergo chiropractic adjustments because of the following:
The chiropractor will assess the injury and damage by evaluating the spine’s overall health, not just the painful areas.
They will inquire about medical history and conduct a physical examination.
Diagnostic tests could be necessary depending on the condition.
The team will evaluate the following criteria:
If reflexes are normal.
If there is muscle loss or decreased muscle strength.
If there is numbness or loss of sensation.
Loss of reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation could indicate the need for more aggressive treatment.
Depending on what is found, they may refer the individual to a spinal surgeon or specialist.
Techniques
Chiropractic focuses on restoring structural integrity to the body, reducing pressure on neurological tissue, and re-establishing a normal range of motion. With this treatment, pain and inflammation will be reduced or eliminated, and regular movement and reflexes will return. The body is realigned, stress is reduced, and the body’s natural energy can repair the damage. Adjustments involve:
HVLA is a high velocity, low amplitude short thrust to vertebrae that are out of position.
Mobilization involves low-velocity manipulation, stretching, and moving affected muscles and joints.
Joint cavitation expels oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide from the vertebrae and releases pressure on the affected area.
This technique uses a drop table while the chiropractor uses quick thrust and release manipulation.
Logan Basic Technique
This technique uses a light touch to level the sacrum.
Thompson Terminal Point Technique or Thompson Drop
This table technique adjusts with a weight mechanism to keep the patient in the correct position before the thrust is applied.
DOC Decompression Table
References
Danazumi, Musa S et al. “Two manual therapy techniques for management of lumbar radiculopathy: a randomized clinical trial.” Journal of osteopathic medicine vol. 121,4 391-400. 26 Feb. 2021, doi:10.1515/jom-2020-0261
Kerr, Dana, et al. “What Are Long-term Predictors of Outcomes for Lumbar Disc Herniation? A Randomized and Observational Study.” Clinical orthopedics and related research vol. 473,6 (2015): 1920-30. doi:10.1007/s11999-014-3803-7
Lurie, Jon D et al. “Surgical versus nonoperative treatment for lumbar disc herniation: eight-year results for the spine patient outcomes research trial.” Spine vol. 39,1 (2014): 3-16. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000000088
Wang, Jeffrey C et al. “Epidural injections for the treatment of symptomatic lumbar herniated discs.” Journal of spinal disorders & techniques vol. 15,4 (2002): 269-72. doi:10.1097/00024720-200208000-00001
Yussen, P S, and J D Swartz. “The acute lumbar disc herniation: imaging diagnosis.” Seminars in ultrasound, CT, and MR vol. 14,6 (1993): 389-98. doi:10.1016/s0887-2171(05)80032-0
Many individuals deal with sciatic nerve discomfort and pain that radiates from the lower back down through the glutes, legs, and feet. It can affect anyone and be challenging to deal with because it can be sudden and unpredictable. A professional hands-on therapeutic massage can play a vital role in alleviating back and sciatic pain but is not always available. This is when a quality massage chair can provide pain relief and relaxation at home.
Sciatica
Not everyone who has sciatica will have the same symptoms. But common symptoms include:
Tingling, numbing sensations in the lower back and down the leg.
Electrical sensations running down the leg.
Lower back pain that spreads into the buttocks, thighs, calves, and feet.
Pain may be described as mild, dull, achy, and sharp.
Sneezing or coughing can increase the pain.
Weakness in the leg.
Massage Chair
A massage chair can assist with sciatic pain by soothing tense muscles and relieving the pressure on the surrounding tissues. When the back muscles are tense, they contract and compress down on the nerves, including the sciatic nerve. Massaging the tight muscles minimizes the pressure on the sciatic nerve and helps alleviate pain. Research has shown the main reasons why massage is beneficial:
Improves Circulation
Massaging the muscles increases blood flow.
Increasing blood circulation facilitates the absorption of nutrients into the muscles and tissues.
Choosing one will be based on specific needs and budget. Some tips to help figure out which is the most beneficial massage chair include:
Consult A Doctor
A doctor, spine specialist, or chiropractor can recommend the best type of massage chair for the individual’s specific injury, condition, and/or disorder.
A doctor will inform the individual if a massage chair is a safe option for their sciatica pain if they have health conditions like high blood pressure or neuropathy.
Chair Objectives
Figure out what the chair will help with short and long-term before shopping.
For example, if the goal is to relieve sciatica and lower back tension, an L-Track massage chair can go further down the spine to the glutes and hamstrings.
Injury Medical DOC Spinal Decompression Table
References
Cygańska, Anna, et al.” Impact of Exercises and Chair Massage on Musculoskeletal Pain of Young Musicians” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 17,14 5128. 16 Jul. 2020, doi:10.3390/ijerph17145128
de Souza, Talita Pavarini Borges et al.”“The effectiveness of Chair Massage on Stress and Pain in Oncology” International journal of therapeutic massage & bodywork vol. 14,3 27-38. 2 Sep. 2021, doi:10.3822/ijtmb.v14i3.619
Hand, Mary et al.” “Massage Chair Sessions: Favorable Effects on Ambulatory Cancer Center Nurse” Perceived Level of Stress, Blood Pressure, and Heart Rate” Clinical journal of oncology nursing vol. 23,4 (2019): 375-381. doi:10.1188/19.CJON.375-381
Kim, Seung-Kook, et al.” “Clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of massage chair therapy versus basic physiotherapy in lower back pain patients: A randomized controlled trial.” Medicine vol. 99,12 (2020): e19514. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000019514
Kumar, Saravana, et al. “The effectiveness of massage therapy for the treatment of nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review of systematic reviews.” International journal of general medicine vol. 6 733-41. 4 Sep. 2013, doi:10.2147/IJGM.S50243
A pinched nerve in the hip can cause numbness, tingliness, weakness, and pain. A pinched/compressed nerve creates pressure that can result from a bone structural issue like hip misalignment or the nerve getting overly stretched, stuck, twisted, or kinked. The pressure obstructs the neural pathways and decreases neural activity. This causes pain. If discomfort or pain is present, chiropractic, physical rehabilitation, rest, exercise, and ice and heat can release and reset the nerve and help prevent re-injury.
Pinched Nerve In The Hip
A pinched or compressed nerve results from pressure being applied to the nerve. A pinched nerve in the hip often causes pain in the groin region, radiating down the inner thigh to the knee. The pain can feel like a dull ache or a sharp, burning pain. Individuals also report tightness, numbness, or a tingling sensation in the buttocks. The most common causes include:
Unhealthy posture.
Sitting for too long without moving around.
Misaligned bone or cartilage.
Muscle strain.
Pregnancy.
Obesity.
Inflamed tissue.
Herniated disc.
Arthritis.
Bone spurs.
Chiropractic
Different causes require different treatment approaches. For example, an obese individual could require chiropractic adjustments, specific exercises/stretches, and diet adjustments to address the whole body. The recommended treatment plans can vary but usually include:
Physical therapeutic massage.
Manipulative therapies of the joints and muscles.
Mobilization of the joints.
Soft tissue treatments.
Spinal decompression.
Exercise.
Walking and activity can worsen the pain when the hip presents with pain. This can cause the rest of the body to compensate by shifting the weight to the healthy side, which can cause even more pain in the back or legs or cause another injury. Regular chiropractic hip adjustments will improve posture, maintaining muscle and skeleton alignment that will prevent pinching nerves in the hip.
Chiropractic Hip Treatment
References
Ahuja, Vanita, et al. “Chronic hip pain in adults: Current knowledge and future prospective.” Journal of anaesthesiology, clinical pharmacology vol. 36,4 (2020): 450-457. doi:10.4103/joacp.JOACP_170_19
Christmas, Colleen, et al. “How common is hip pain among older adults? Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.” The Journal of family practice vol. 51,4 (2002): 345-8.
“Free Communications: Case Reports: Hip.” Journal of Athletic Training vol. 38,2 Suppl (2003): S.73–S.74.
The brain and the spinal cord have a casual relationship in the nervous system as they help transport neuron signals to the rest of the body. These neuron signals travel through the various nerve pathways that provide motor-sensory functions to the arms, legs, neck, and back that help keep the body upright and function properly. When natural causes or traumatic issues affect the spinal cord, it can cause pain symptoms associated with nerve compression that overlaps with different chronic problems. When there is spinal nerve compression in the back, it may potentially involve low back or neck pain. Today’s article looks at a condition known as Chiari malformation, its associated symptoms with the spine, and how decompression and chiropractic care manage Chiari malformation. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in neurological treatments to help many individuals with Chiari malformation. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Is Chiari Malformation?
Have you been experiencing chronic headaches that are triggering neck stiffness? What about uncontrollable bladder issues? Are you feeling tingling sensations down your fingers and toes? Some of these symptoms are signs that you might risk developing Chiari malformation. Chiari malformation is uncommon when parts of the brain tissue extend into the spinal canal. This condition is a cluster of abnormalities that involves parts of the brain and cervical cord. The brain consists of 6 pieces that have different functions; they are:
Parietal lobe (Sense of touch, visual perception, differentiation, etc.)
Temporal lobe (Memory, understanding languages)
Occipital lobe (Vision)
Cerebellum (Balance, motor activity, coordination)
The brain stem (spinal cord, breathing, sleep and wake cycles, etc.)
These different brain sections have a casual relationship with their correlated organs and muscles to keep the body moving. When there are deformities affecting the brain from Chiari malformation, studies reveal that the cerebellum is leaking out of the skull and pressing against the surrounding spinal canal, triggering symptoms along the spine.
The Symptoms Associated With Chiari Malformation & The Spine
The symptoms associated with Chiari malformation do affect the spine in the body. The symptoms vary from each individual, ranging from none to severe. The most common sign that is associated with Chiari malformation is a headache. Studies reveal that symptomatic cluster-like headaches are related to various diseases, including Chiari malformation. When dealing with a headache that radiates pain along the neck and shoulders, this is known as somato-visceral pain, where the affected muscle affects the organ, causing pain associated with a chronic issue. Let’s look at another symptom related to the presence of Chiari malformation. Scoliosis is when there is a sideways curvature in the thoracic or lumbar regions of the spine. So how is scoliosis associated with Chiari malformation? When skeletal maturity and age are affected by scoliosis, studies show that neural axis abnormalities correlate with curve progression, causing the risk of Chiari malformation to develop. Other symptoms that are associated with Chiari malformation include:
Muscle weakness (coordination issues, loss of balance)
Have you been experiencing bladder issues out of nowhere? Do you feel tingling, burning sensations along your arms and legs? Has your neck and upper back been feeling stiff? These are some of the symptoms associated with Chiari malformation in the cervical region. The video above gives an overview of Chiari malformation, its diagnosis, and how it’s treated. Chiari malformation has multiple causes, but the most common cause is when the cerebellum develops downward and compresses the spinal canal. This causes painful issues on the neck and affects the visceral organs and muscles, causing painful symptoms that potentially involve other parts of the body. Fortunately, treatments are available to manage Chiari malformation and its associated symptoms.
Decompression & Chiropractic Care For Chiari Malformation
Chiari malformation is treatable through decompression and chiropractic care by managing the associated symptoms. Studies show that decompression may improve the symptoms associated with Chiari malformation and regain motor functions in the neck and range of motion in the arms. Decompression for the cervical region allows gentle traction on the neck to elongate the compressed spinal disc to release the pressure off the nerve root. For chiropractic care, spinal manipulation on the upper back may help alleviate headaches due to subluxation or spinal misalignment. Utilizing these two treatments allows many individuals to find the relief they are looking for and help manage the symptoms associated with their chronic issues.
Conclusion
Overall, the brain and spinal cord have a casual relationship in the nervous system as they help transport the neuron signals to each body part to be functional. Traumatic issues or injuries to the spine can cause pain in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions while potentially being involved with chronic issues. Chiari malformation is a chronic condition where the cerebellum develops downwards and compresses the spinal canal. This causes associated symptoms in the cervical region that can drastically affect the upper half of the body. Treatments like decompression and chiropractic care help manage the associated symptoms that are caused by Chiari malformation through non-invasive ways. Incorporating these treatments allow the individual to be pain-free.
References
Goldschagg, Nicolina, et al. “Decompression in Chiari Malformation: Clinical, Ocular Motor, Cerebellar, and Vestibular Outcome.” Frontiers in Neurology, Frontiers Media S.A., 22 June 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5479925/.
Hidalgo, Joaquin A, et al. “Arnold Chiari Malformation – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 1 May 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431076/.
Kaplan, Yüksel, and Özden Kamişli. “Cluster-like Headache Associated with Symptomatic Chiari Type 1 Malformation.” Noro Psikiyatri Arsivi, Turkish Neuropsychiatric Society, Mar. 2014, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5370268/.
Kelly, Michael P, et al. “Spinal Deformity Associated with Chiari Malformation.” Neurosurgery Clinics of North America, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4584090/.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Chiari Malformation.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 24 Sept. 2021, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chiari-malformation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354010.
The sciatic nerve is the longest in the body and is the central nerve in the leg. A critical nerve that comes off the spine runs through the pelvis, into the buttocks, down the back of each thigh, and finally into the feet. It is a mixed nerve meaning it is made up of both motor/movement) and sensory/sensation fibers. The nerves merge with the spinal nerve roots before they enter the spinal cord, where the sensory information travels to and from the brain. If the nerve is inflamed, compressed, twisted, damaged, or injured, this can negatively affect the muscles’ function, leading to chronic pain conditions. Injury Medical Function Restoration Chiropractors will do precisely that for the sciatic nerve and the rest of the body.
Nerve Roots and Branches
Different nerve roots make up the sciatic nerve, with two starting in the lower back and three at the bottom of the spine or sacrum. At the knees, the nerve splits into two branches:
The peroneal nerve runs from the knee’s outer part to the foot’s outer part and splits into two main branches below the knee.
The tibial nerve goes down the back of the calf, extending to the heel and sole.
There are smaller branches at the:
Hips
Inner thighs
Calves
Feet
Sciatic Nerve Function
The sciatic nerve’s purpose serves motor functions by assisting the muscles in the legs and feet to move, walk, run, and stand. And for the sensory function of feeling sensations in the legs and feet includes pain, numbness, burning, and electrical sensations.
Motor Functions
The nerve provides motor functions that power movement to the muscles that move the thighs, legs, and feet. Essential motor functions:
Motor function signs of sciatic nerve problems include difficulty or inability to walk, bend the leg, and/or stand on tiptoe or the heel.
Sensory Functions
The nerve provides sensation to the different areas; when the nerve is injured, the corresponding area may feel unique/abnormal sensations with differing degrees of numbness, pins-and-needles, and pain. Commonly affected areas include:
Front, back, and outside the thigh.
Front, back, and outside the lower leg.
The top and outer side of the foot.
Bottom of the foot.
Between the toes.
Like motor function disruption, sensory impairment is determined by where the problems are occurring.
Function Restoration Chiropractor
Affected, reduced, and inhibited motor and sensory functions can lead to muscle weakness, chronic pain, and permanent nerve damage. Function restoration chiropractor and physical therapeutic massage can help manage nerve compression and irritation. Spinal manipulations restore misaligned vertebral discs taking the pressure off the nerve relieving the pain, and regaining nerve signal flow and mobility. Chiropractic will induce deep muscle relaxation to stop muscle spasms, release tension, soothe the nerve, release endorphins, and restore sciatic nerve function.
Spinal Decompression
References
Bouche, P. “Compression and entrapment neuropathies.” Handbook of clinical neurology vol. 115 (2013): 311-66. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-52902-2.00019-9
Cook, Chad E et al. “Risk factors for first-time incidence sciatica: a systematic review.” Physiotherapy research international: the journal for researchers and clinicians in physical therapy vol. 19,2 (2014): 65-78. doi:10.1002/pri.1572
Giuffre BA, Jeanmonod R. Anatomy, Sciatic Nerve. [Updated 2021 Jul 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482431/
The lower back core muscles initiate and control movement and posture. Total body movements start at the pelvis and are carried out by the low back and abdominal muscles. These core muscles provide control and stability when moving. When the body is not moving, standing and sitting posture habits (healthy and unhealthy) develop based on how an individual controls/holds their pelvis posture. The lower back muscles are in constant demand for performing repetitive motions or forceful actions. The muscles become chronically tight and sore, joints and nerves get compressed, and bones and connective tissue stay in a stressed state, causing intense pain and damage to the body’s structure. These problems can result from muscle memory, the nervous system’s operating procedure to make movements automatic.
Muscle Memory
The nervous system controls the movement and contraction in the muscles and constantly reinforces and learns new movement patterns to become more efficient through muscle memory. However, this learning process allows for the development of healthy muscle habits and unhealthy muscular habits. An example is sitting using a slouching posture. The nervous system will store that posture data and subconsciously contract the abdominal and pectoral muscles, so the slouched posture takes over. Because of the continual usage and compromised postures, various muscles start to tighten up. Individuals are typically not aware of the gradual tightening until stiffness, soreness, and pain sets in. Tight muscles pull the skeleton in awkward ways that cause body misalignments, causing:
Individuals develop unique muscle patterns and tension levels throughout the body due to repetitive daily activities, stress responses, injuries sustained, and physical activities. Muscle memory issues can contribute to chronic back pain and sciatica. Unhealthy muscle memory causes the muscles not to return to their natural state but to the awkward position and makes that the natural state. Healthy muscle memory leads to instant reflexes that make movements smooth and effortless.
Chiropractic will relieve back and sciatica pain by inducing deep muscle relaxation that releases endorphins. The soreness and tension will be massaged, and mechanical decompression if necessary. Massage and stretching will help retrain muscle and movement memory, along with exercises to reinforce the retraining.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
References
Campbell, James N, and Richard A Meyer. “Mechanisms of neuropathic pain.” Neuron vol. 52,1 (2006): 77-92. doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2006.09.021
Wilder, David G et al. “Effect of spinal manipulation on sensorimotor functions in back pain patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.” Trials vol. 12 161. 28 Jun. 2011, doi:10.1186/1745-6215-12-161
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