Cameron Stewart, D.C.

Hey North Florida, Dr. Cam here.

Let’s talk about a type of pain that can literally be a pain in the… well, you know. Sciatica. It’s characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. It’s less of a diagnosis itself and more a symptom of an underlying problem irritating that nerve.

Trust me, when nerve pain flares up, whether from my herniated discs or other back issues, it gets your attention! That shooting pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness down the leg can be incredibly disruptive.

What Causes Sciatica?

The most common culprit is often something pressing on or irritating the sciatic nerve root in the lower spine. This can include:

1. Herniated Lumbar Disc: As we discussed last week, a bulging disc in the lower back is a very frequent cause, directly compressing the nerve. This was a major factor in my own nerve-related pain.
2. Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the nerves.
3. Spondylolisthesis: One vertebra slipping forward over another can pinch the nerve root.
4. Piriformis Syndrome: The sciatic nerve runs under or sometimes through the piriformis muscle in the buttock. If this muscle becomes tight or spasms, it can irritate the nerve (this often happens without a primary spinal issue).
5. Degenerative Disc Disease: Wear and tear on the discs can lead to changes that irritate nerve roots.

Think back to the physical stresses I’ve mentioned — lifting on the far, the impact of track and field, carrying heavy gear in the military. All these things can contribute to the spinal conditions that often underlie sciatica.

How Chiropractic Can Help Manage Sciatica:

The goal of chiropractic care for sciatica is to address the underlying cause of the nerve irritation.

• If it’s a disc issue or spinal misalignment: Gentle adjustments (manual, instrument, or table-assisted like flexion-distraction) aim to reduce pressure on the nerve root by improving spinal mechanics and potentially easing disc bulge pressure.
• If it’s Piriformis Syndrome: Chiropractic care can involve adjustments to the pelvis and lower back to ensure proper mechanics, as well as soft tissue work (like stretching or specific releases) targeting the tight piriformis muscle itself.
• Reducing Inflammation & Promoting Healing: By restoring better movement and taking pressure off the nerve, adjustments can help reduce inflammation and allow the nerve to heal.

Finding the source of the irritation is key. Chiropractic offers a non-invasive approach focused on correcting the mechanical problems that frequently lead to sciatic nerve pain. It was certainly part of my toolkit for managing those radiating symptoms stemming from my disc issues.

Tired of that shocking leg pain? Let’s investigate the cause and see how chiropractic might offer relief.

Visit http://www.drcam.rocks to schedule your consultation today!

Take care, Dr. Cam