Sciatica is a painful condition that involves compression of part of the sciatic nerve. Because this nerve starts in the lower back and branches down each leg, symptoms can vary in location and severity based on where the nerve is being pinched. For example, pain may occur in the hip or lower back and then extend down one leg. There may even be numbness or tingling in the foot of the affected leg. Where can you find relief from the pain and tingling?
Believe it or not, you may have to go all the way up to the top of the neck to find long-term relief. At least, that’s what one 45-year-old woman found after a car accident led to sciatica in both of her legs (which is far rarer than single-sided pain).
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A series of x-rays revealed that the patient was suffering from an upper cervical misalignment, likely the result of multiple car accidents she had experienced. Upper cervical care was provided by means of 47 adjustments spread out over 17 months. Not only did her sciatica resolve on both sides within six months but so did her other symptoms including fibromyalgia. She was able to go back to performing daily tasks, and sleep was also improved.
While it may seem counterintuitive to adjust the neck in order to help the lower half of the body, the fact is that the position of the atlas (C1) affects the entire spine. That is because the atlas balances the 10 to 12-pound head. If it is out of alignment, the rest of the spine shifts to compensate. When the shifts in the lumbar spine compress the sciatic nerve, pain and other symptoms are the results.
Therefore, correcting the atlas misalignment has been the first step toward long-term recovery for some. To learn more, contact an upper cervical chiropractor in your area.
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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.
