Sciatic pain generally travels from your low back, through the buttock(s), and down the large sciatic nerve in the back of your leg(s). Frequently, the pain may even radiate into your knee. Sitting, as well as motion, can be painful. Occasionally lying down will lessen, or perhaps briefly eliminate, the pain. But, sciatica will not go away permanently without suitable care.

“Radiculopathy,” the medical term for the clinical diagnosis of sciatica, means simply that a disc has protruded from its normal position in the vertebral column and is causing pressure on the radicular nerve (nerve root) in the lower back, which forms part of the sciatic nerve. This type of pressure is especially painful.

Additional pressure on the intervertebral discs, as well as imbalances in the muscles encircling the spine, can occur as the result of prolonged sitting, specifically in a poor position. For the most part, a precise event or definite injury doesn’t create sciatica, instead it tends to develop over time as a consequence of average wear and tear on the structures of the lower spine. Eventually the lower spine loses its ability to function in a healthy way during common daily stresses.

Ultimately, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, which then allows the soft nucleus to extend the disc outward. If the disc presses on sensitive tissues, it produces the pain that is often called a ruptured disc. If the disc pushes on the spinal nerve, an individual can develop sciatica.

Most disc challenges, including sciatica, can be alleviated with chiropractic adjustments and care that frequently includes postural exercises. If you are experiencing sciatic pain, it is important for you to seek chiropractic attention.

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Anatomy

To understand back pain, it is useful to understand the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the lower back are comprised of posterior joints called facets that join vertebrae to one another and serve to dictate the action of the spine. The inter-vertebral discs link the bodies of the vertebrae and are composed of a form of strong cartilage that encases a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The discs act as shock absorbers and spacers between the vertebrae. Ligaments and muscles also join the vertebrae. The sacrum is a wedge-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine. It is connected to the two pelvic bones at the sacroiliac joint. The spinal cord is situated between the facets of the vertebrae. The spinal nerves exit the spine between the vertebrae.

Causes of Back Pain

A large number of back pain patients have not experienced any trauma, accidents or major injuries prior to the onset of their problem. The cumulative effects of improper sitting posture, harmful work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of regular exercise, and other unhealthy lifestyle-related factors create most back pain.  These cumulative factors produce stresses and imbalances on the spine and, therefore, people may injure their back just by bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The spine was already at risk and just the simple act of bending was enough to set off the problem. When this occurs, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. Chiropractors are back pain specialists. Your **LINK** can help you to get out of pain quickly.

Disc Problems & Sciatica

Prolonged sitting, especially in a awkward position causes increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and imbalances in the muscles surrounding the spine. After a while the lower spine loses its ability to function normally during everyday stresses. Ultimately, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, allowing the soft nucleus to bulge the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it creates the pain that is often referred to as a slipped disc. Sciatica develops when the disc presses on the spinal nerve. The symptoms of sciatica include pain, tingling, numbness, and often weakness in the lower extremities. Regrettably, if the disc protrusion or herniation is large and the condition isn’t managed properly, surgery may berequired to dispose of the herniated disc material. With chiropractic adjustments and care, which often includes postural exercises, most disc complications, including sciatica, can be resolved. If you are experiencing any of the conditions defined above, it is very important for you to seek chiropractic treatment. Your your Chicago chiropractor is available to help you.

Spondylosis

Increased erosion and weight-bearing stress on the spine occurs when there is repetitive damage to the discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments. Bone spurs are formed when the cartilage around the joints is adversely affected by stress that engenders calcium to deposit in the tissues around the vertebrae. These spurs can constrict adjacent nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue resulting in symptoms ranging from minor pain and numbness to gross sensory loss and muscular atrophy. This condition – known as Spondylosis – is a form of arthritis that seems to affect almost everyone at some point in life, as it is a common part of the aging process of the spine as well. Nevertheless, determinants such as previous trauma, unhealthy lifestyle, and repetitive stress injury influence the time of onset in life. Regular chiropractic care and overall chiropractic management is very effective in slowing the aging process of the spine, and in helping Spondylosis sufferers manage their condition. Your Chicago chiropractor has helped many Spondylosis sufferers.

Sacroiliac Problems

Another common area of dysfunction or injury in the low back are the sacroiliac joints. These weight-bearing joints link the upper part of the body to the lower pelvic portion and are normally very strong and stable. However with trauma such as falls, sports injuries and lifting heavy objects, the joints can become unstable and move to an abnormal position.  This condition is called a sacroiliac subluxation. Women may get this condition during or after their pregnancy. Sacroiliac subluxation causes imbalances in the lower extremities giving a person a functional long and short leg. Pain occurs particularly with prolonged standing, walking, or during and after physical activity, and the individual may experience a lack of energy and fatigue.  Other symptoms such as neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches, can develop further up the spine. Chiropractic adjustments establish the proper alignment of the joints and are extremely affective in correcting sacroiliac problems. Ask your Chicago chiropractor how you can get affective pain relief.

Spinal Subluxation

A very common disorder of the lower back, as well as the entire spine, is subluxated or misaligned facet joints. Subluxations can exist on their own or in conjunction with disc problems and Spondylosis. They not only cause pain, but they can also compromise the spinal nerves as they exit the foramen or spaces between the vertebrae, and create nerve compression, known as paraethesia. Paraesthesia is an alteration of sensation described as a tingling, burning or “funny feeling.” Paraesthesia in the upper extremities usually originates from nerve problems in the neck, while paraesthesia in the lower extremities is most often associated with nerve problems in the lumbar region (lower back). Visceral problems such as asthma and gastric conditions can also be associated with, or complicated by, spinal subluxations and nerve compression. Subluxations are best corrected with chiropractic adjustments.

Trauma

Trauma such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause over-stretching or tearing of the tissues of the spine and lower back and create considerable pain and immobility. Proper chiropractic management at the onset of symptoms is very important in order avoid long term disability and the development of any of the above conditions. If you experience a trauma, call your Chicago chiropractor as soon as possible.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is often associated with low back pain. Chiropractic care offers exceptional pain relief.

When it comes to the spine, chiropractors have more education and training than medical doctors. Your Chicago chiropractor provides state of the art diagnosis and skilled treatment for any of the above mentioned conditions of the spine and lower back.

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