Sciatica: The Torment of the Sciatic Nerve

Dr. Alex Jimenez has compiled articles discussing sciatica, a common and frequently reported series of symptoms affecting most of the population. The pain can vary widely. It occurs when there is pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve, a nerve found in the lower back that runs down the back of each leg as it controls the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg. It also provides sensation to the back of the thigh, part of the lower leg, and the sole. Dr. Jimenez explains how its symptoms can be relieved through the use of chiropractic treatment.

Over-exercising, lifting, bending, or twisting abruptly into awkward positions, and even driving for extended periods of time can strain the sciatic nerve, leading to lower back pain that radiates into the back of the legs as well as numerous other symptoms, known as sciatica.

What is sciatica?

Approximately 5 to 10 percent of individuals experience some form of low back pain from sciatica. Most commonly seen in people between 18 and 35 years of age, the prevalence of sciatic symptoms varies tremendously, from 1.6 percent throughout the general population to 43 percent in a selected working population. Unfortunately, only 30 percent of individuals suffering from sciatica seek medical attention after experiencing these painful symptoms for a year or more. In most cases, sciatica is caused by a herniated disc involving nerve root compression.

Not all individuals with lower back pain have sciatica. Lower back pain could result from various factors, most frequently seen in sedentary workers who sit behind a desk for an extended period of time with improper posture and do not follow ergonomics.

Sciatica Causes

Several causes of sciatica include trauma from an injury, spondylolisthesis, piriformis syndrome, spinal tumors, and obesity. Sciatica can be debilitating at times when the episode is acute. At that time, it is very difficult to carry out day-to-day activities. Some patients are advised to have bed rest for three to four weeks so that their condition improves. Dr. Sunil Dachepalli, a senior orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon and sports medicine expert at Yashoda Hospitals, stated that most symptoms improve with non-operative management, including extensive rest.

Long-distance drivers are at a higher risk of developing sciatica because of the constant jolts on bumpy roads, which have been known to weaken the spine’s discs. Smooth roads can prevent this, though. The individual’s height can also contribute to the development of sciatica, as most discs rupture backward when the person bends forward. Taller people tend to slouch forward more often, and also when they bend, their center of gravity moves further away from the spine. The pressure on the spine is multiplied by the distance of the force, resulting in more pressure on the discs of taller people when they bend forward.

It’s essential to properly diagnose the presence of sciatica and determine the source of the pain and other symptoms. Sciatica caused by a common back complication, such as a spinal misalignment, may require a combination of treatments to relieve an individual’s symptoms as well as treat the underlying cause of sciatica. Dr. N. Somasekhar Reddy, senior consultant orthopedic surgeon, stated that in 80 percent of the cases where people treat their sciatica on time, these simple methods can help them get better with time.

Sciatica Symptoms

Sciatica is characterized by sharp pain along with numbness in the leg. The affected leg may also feel weak and appear thinner than the other leg. Additionally, many individuals experience a mild tingling, dull ache, or burning sensation that can also be felt on the back of the calf or on the sole. The pain and discomfort usually worsen when one lies down and can often make getting enough rest difficult. Occasionally, redness and swelling may appear on the back. An episode of back pain that has lasted continuously for more than four weeks could suggest the presence of sciatica.

If you or a loved one are experiencing pain that radiates from the back or buttocks all the way down the legs, you may have a common condition called sciatica. Many people in El Paso suffer from the pain of sciatica, and many never achieve a long-term solution. An untreated sciatic condition can continue to worsen and make the daily tasks of living go from difficult to impossible. This article aims to help you understand sciatica and explains how chiropractic treatment can help you overcome it.

Sciatica in El Paso
Sciatica, which is also known as sciatic neuralgia, is a condition that causes pain in the lower back, down the back of the leg, and into the foot. It can make sitting and standing difficult and lead to weakness, tingling, and numbness in the legs and feet. Sciatic pain often fluctuates throughout a person’s lifetime, causing varying degrees of pain and discomfort. If left unchecked, sciatic pain generally worsens, and the nerve can become permanently injured.

The pain travels so far, seeming to radiate up and down the legs and back, because it is caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body. This nerve originates in the lumbar spine and extends into the buttocks before traveling down the leg to the ankle and foot. When the vertebrae in the low back are compressed, the roots of the sciatic nerve can become pinched and irritated, which is what causes the pain and injury.

How Do You Develop Sciatica?

There are some factors and reasons that can lead to sciatica. Disc injuries and bulges most commonly cause it. In this occurrence, the disc presses against the nerve root, causing the issue. Disc injuries can occur because of poor posture, repetitive use injuries, and accidents. Sciatica is also common when there are subluxations (misalignments) in the spine due to postural issues, pregnancy, or trauma. Some patients say they simply bent over to pick up a piece of paper, and they were hit with extreme pain. The reality is that the spinal condition was probably developing for quite some time before the triggering incident occurred.

Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica

Chiropractors in El Paso are highly trained to pinpoint the source of sciatica and work with the patient to determine the most suitable treatment approach. After a thorough assessment of the individual’s unique issue, gentle adjustments are made to allow the body to recover its natural alignment.

Some people respond very quickly, while others take more time to recover. It really depends on the condition of the disc or the joints that the chiropractor has to correct. In most cases, the longer the issue persists, the longer it will take to achieve correction. The great news is that fixing an issue like this typically takes less time than it took to create it. Once the position of the spine and discs is improved, patients often report improvements to their overall health.

Sciatica Home Remedies

If you’ve received a sciatica diagnosis, several remedies can help alleviate the pain. Firstly, you can apply ice therapy to the affected area on the back to alleviate the swelling. Regular physical activity and exercise can help strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility to prevent degenerative wear and tear changes associated with age. In addition, avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time by taking several breaks to stand, stretch, and walk around. If you must be on your feet, rest one foot on a small stool or footrest and then switch feet throughout the day. Individuals with sciatica symptoms should also avoid wearing high heels. This type of footwear alters the body’s natural posture, adding pressure to the spine, which could aggravate your sciatica. And finally, take pressure off your back by sleeping on your side or on your back with a pillow under your knees.

While these remedies can relieve symptoms of sciatica, their effects may only be temporary, and it’s still crucial to receive immediate medical attention to diagnose any possible underlying conditions or injuries that could have developed your complications and follow with proper treatment. Chiropractic care aims to realign the spine by using spinal adjustments and manual manipulation, which decreases stress on the spine, strengthens the structures surrounding the vertebrae, and restores the body’s natural health.

If you are experiencing sciatica symptoms, call our Wellness & Injury Team today.

By Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC