If you have ever experienced numbness, tingling, burning or shooting pain down one or both of your legs, you may be suffering from sciatica. When pressure is applied to the sciatic nerve, which starts in the lower back and runs down the legs, it can be extremely uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are chiropractic treatments which can ease and even eliminate your symptoms.
What is Sciatica?

Sciatica does not exist by itself. It is the symptom of another medical condition, such as a herniated disc, that results in the symptom of sciatica. There are a number of situations that can lead to pressure on the sciatic nerve. Effectively treating sciatica requires treating the underlying condition.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body. Because it’s so large, the sciatic nerve can be impacted by surrounding tissue fairly easily. For most people, the sciatic nerve begins at lowest two vertebrae of the spine and goes through the buttocks and on down the back of each leg. Sciatica tends to occur when pressure is applied to the nerve at the point where it emerges from the spinal canal in the lower back.

What are the Symptoms of Sciatica?

The symptoms of sciatica can vary from person to person based on their unique medical conditions. However, some common symptoms make sciatica relatively easy to identify.

These include:
•Pain traveling down the back of one or both legs
•Weakness or numbness in the leg
•Increased pain when sitting down
•Burning or tingling pain in the leg
•Sharp discomfort that makes it hard to stand and/or walk
How Likely are You to Develop Sciatica?

Because the definition of sciatica can vary from study to study, it is difficult to know precisely how common sciatica is. In one study of the literature conducted by researchers, it was found that sciatica could affect as much as 43% of study participants.

What is certain about sciatica is that it is more common in older people. Young people tend not to develop sciatica. Once an individual reaches his or her 40s, the likelihood of experiencing sciatica goes up.

Effective Treatments for Sciatica

While sciatica can often be unavoidable as you get older, there are things you can do to help prevent sciatica or help with treating the condition.

It is important to realize the discs are like little sponges. They get their nutrients from fluid going in and out as the joints move. Without proper motion, the discs will literally dry out (degenerate) over time.

Therefore, regular exercise will keep the discs hydrated and allow nutrients to flow in and out of the disc. In contrast, prolonged sitting tends to load the disc and, over time, weaken the structure.

Regular chiropractic care can keep the joints moving normally. By maintaining proper alignment of the spine through chiropractic some additional pressures can be removed from the discs.

Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica

Many patients seek chiropractic treatment for sciatica and have experienced relief from the pain.

During the initial exam, a chiropractor will determine where the sciatic nerve is being pinched. Sometimes x-rays can be very helpful. Treatment will consist of gentle adjustments to the spine to realign the bones and remove pressure from the sciatic nerve. Sometime soft tissue work may be helpful. Light traction can also help open up the joint spaces and unload a protruding or herniated disc that could be pressing on the nerves.

Studies have found that sciatic pain responds very well to chiropractic care. More than simply relieving the pain temporarily, such as is the case with pain medication, chiropractic can offer a long-term solution to this disabling condition.

Zollner Chiropractic provides a gentle, scientific and effective approach to chiropractic care in San Rafael. Dr. Zollner’s experienced techniques help you obtain your health and functional goals. With over 20 years’ experience, Dr. Zollner has integrated multiple chiropractic modalities with modern technology to deliver effective treatment to his clients. Go to learn more: https://drzollner.com