Chiropractor Prescott Az | The Causes And Treatment Of Sciatica
Sciatica describes a set of symptoms that occur when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated
. Pain is felt in the lower back, buttocks and/or leg and can extend all the way down to the foot. The more muscles that are affected by the condition, the more likely that the individual will experience some leg instability or foot drop. Although sciatica is remarkably common, it describes a condition, not the specific cause of the problem.
Causes of Sciatica -
Sciatica is generally caused by compression of the nerve roots coming from the L4 and L5 lumbar nerves or the S1 - S3 nerves. Often the cause is a disc herniation at the above mentioned spots. Other causes include a roughening or shifting of vertebrae.
When a lumbar disc herniates, the inner material bulges out and can place pressure on local nerves in a variety of directions. Sciatica is most likely to occur when material exudes either to the side or towards the spinal cord itself.
Spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal itself. This narrowing can place pressure on the cauda equina or the lumbar nerves. Caused by inflammation, bone spurs, spondylolesthesis or disc ruptures, the decreased space leads to compression of nerves and nerve roots.
Piriformus syndrome is often mistaken for true sciatica, and defines a different condition. The piriformus muscle runs horizontally through the buttocks and the sciatic nerve runs directly through the muscle in most individuals. If the piriformus muscle is in contracture it can compress the sciatic nerve. One common cause of piriformus syndrome is the habit of putting a wallet in the back pocket of ones pants.
Trigger points, pregnancy and poor postural habits can contribute to sciatic pain.
Treatment Options are Defined by the Cause -
In 90% of cases which arise from disc herniation, the problem resolves on its own. Anti-inflammatories, injection of corticosteroids, physical therapy, massage and chiropractic treatment help relieve pain as the disc heals. In the remaining cases surgery may be advised to remove disc material that presses continuously upon the nerve root and doesn't improve.
In spinal stenosis, the same course of action is followed in many cases. If treatment is unsuccessful or the narrowing continues than surgery may be an option. The catch is that scarring can refill the canal after surgery, creating a cycle of treatment and re-treatment.
Piriformus syndrome is best treated with soft tissue therapies such as massage and physical therapy. Changing postural habits that create pressure on the sciatic nerve, adapting sitting areas, and stretching all help resolve sciatic pain caused by this condition.
Sciatica is often a recurring condition that comes and goes depending upon activity level, medical changes and postural habits. Mild cases are easy to treat and the pain is manageable. In severe situations the patient may have difficulty standing for extended periods and experience altered function in the leg and foot. Difficulty sleeping can contribute to depression and moodiness as does living with chronic pain.
Seek treatment if you experience pain that runs down the outer side of the leg, if you have any numbness or difficulty bearing weight.
by: Chris Tomshack
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