Sciatica is leg pain that comes from the sciatic nerve. This nerve is the largest in the body and runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. Sciatica describes pain that affects this nerve and can be felt anywhere from the lower back down through the buttocks and into the leg. Usually, it affects only one leg, but not always.
Sciatica is not a medical diagnosis but rather a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Some things that may bring about sciatica are:
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Sciatica generally only affects one side of the lower body, and the pain radiates from the lower part of the back to the back of the thigh and then down the leg. A combination of the following symptoms are most common:
These symptoms may worsen when one suddenly moves, such as when coughing or sneezing or moving positions (such as from a sitting position to a standing one). Depending on the reason for sciatica, the symptoms may vary. For example, if spinal stenosis is the reason for sciatica, then bending backward or walking longer distances can cause more pain. Bending the body forward can bring about pain if the underlying cause is a lumbar herniated disc. It is rare for permanent sciatic nerve or tissue damage to result from sciatica. Spinal cord involvement is possible but very rare.
The sciatic nerve is the single largest nerve in the body and consists of nerve roots that start by branching out from the spine in the lower back. If this nerve becomes compressed or irritated, sciatica occurs. Here are some interesting things about the sciatic nerve:
Using Botox treatment for sciatica is a relatively new application for this medication. Botox, also called botulinum toxin, is basically a bacterial poison previously used for cosmetic reasons. More recently, it has gained popularity for migraine headaches and now caring for sciatica and other lower back pain issues. How does it help sciatica?
Botox is injected into the painful areas of the back, legs, or buttocks. It is a paralyzing agent which helps to stop muscle spasms and pain. It is not to be used as a long-term solution. The original injection will likely last longer than any given after that. However, patients have reported that this therapy does seem to ease the pain of sciatica. The relief felt may last for a few months.
Things to keep in mind when deciding whether to have this type of treatment are:
So, you may ask yourself: Is this the right way to care for my sciatica or is there a natural, effective solution available? Thankfully, there is a natural solution! Keep reading to find out how upper cervical chiropractic care can help sciatica.
So, the next thing you may be wondering is how can caring for the neck area help the lower back? That is a very good question, and we have a very good answer. Imagine the back is similar to a row of dominoes with each one representing a vertebra. If the first domino (or vertebra) is moved, it can affect the entire spinal column. It may not move as quickly as a row of dominoes tumbling over, but over time the effects will make themselves known.
The head can weigh as much as 14 pounds. If the C1 vertebra is out of alignment, the head becomes unbalanced. This causes the spine to shift to compensate. The body works on what is called righting reflex to maintain the eyes at the same level as the horizon line. The spine adjusts to keep this working properly. This can lead to all kinds of problems in the back. One hip may become higher than the other, or one leg may be longer than the other. This can easily lead to an irritation of the sciatic nerve resulting in sciatica.
Upper cervical chiropractors are specially trained to help realign the bones of the upper neck, leading to a happier and healthier spine. We use a gentle method that does not involve cracking or forcing the spine into place. We help the bones move more naturally into alignment. This allows the body to heal and often brings relief from sciatica.
TV show host Montel Williams describes how specific chiropractic care has helped his body.
The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.