What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs through your hip on one side and down each leg to just below your knee. Common underlying factors may include herniated discs, which can protrude and press against the nerve roots, and spinal stenosis, where the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the nerve.
Other potential causes include tight muscles like the piriformis pressing on the nerve, spondylolisthesis (a condition where one vertebra slips over another), and direct injuries or trauma to the lower back. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as prolonged sitting and poor posture can contribute to the development of sciatica by straining the lower back and pelvis.
Types Of Sciatica
- Acute sciatica: Symptoms appear suddenly and usually resolve within a few weeks. This is the most common type of sciatica and can be treated at home. Caused by sudden irritation to the nerves due to pinching, compression, or a combination of both.
- Chronic sciatica: Pain lasts for months or years and may require more extensive treatment. It might resolve temporarily but can recur without treatment or lifestyle and activity adjustments.
- Alternating sciatica: A rare variant of sciatica that may lead to alternating pain in both legs, often the result of degenerative issues in the sacroiliac joint or sacroiliac arthritis.
- Bilateral sciatica: A rare form of sciatica that impacts both legs, often resulting from multiple herniated discs or degenerative disc conditions.
How Can A Chiropractor Help With Sciatica?
There are a number of chiropractic treatments that improve sciatic pain, including different types of spinal and pelvic adjustments. Spinal manipulation for sciatica focuses on realigning the vertebrae to alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve effectively reducing sciatic pain and enhancing mobility.
If you are experiencing discomfort from sciatica, a chiropractor can create a tailored treatment plan to help relieve your symptoms and support your recovery.
Book today to start improving your sciatica
Our Chiropractic Treatment For Sciatica
Sciatica can significantly impact quality of life and limit daily activities by reducing mobility, productivity, and ease of basic tasks such as walking, sitting, or standing. By effectively managing and alleviating sciatic pain, you can begin to restore functionality, improve your overall well-being, and enhance your ability to engage in life, whether that's through work, exercise, or social activities.
Our Chiropractic Treatment
Our Chiropractic Treatment Options offer a comprehensive approach to addressing, managing and reducing sciatica. Thomas Carter Dr of Chiropractic is one of a handful of upper cervical specialists in the UK, who is trained to precisely and safely correct misalignments of the craniocervical junction.
