Sciatica
Sciatica is a distracting pain that begins in the lower back and extends down one or both legs. Typically, the feeling worsens with periods of prolonged sitting or standing. The discs between the spinal bones of the lower back are often involved. Trauma can cause one or more discs to bulge, which crowds nearby nerves and thereby results in irritation and inflammation. Coughing, sneezing or other kinds of movement can be painful. If neglected, the nerve irritation extends down one or both legs along the sciatic nerves. Although the pain appears in the leg, the culprit is often the lower back.
What to Avoid
Sciatica can worsen with bed rest. Medications don’t correct the nerve irritation caused by a bulging disc. And surgical solutions make irreversible changes to discs or bones.
- Compressed lesion
This is just a fancy name for a pinched nerve. Although the term is commonly used, what surprises many is that this condition is actually quite rare (See Pinched Nerve). - Facilitative lesion
This describes a nerve root when it is stretched, twisted or chafed. Picture hard tissue rubbing on soft tissue.
Remember, bones are static structures. They don’t move unless muscles move them, and muscles don’t move bones unless commanded by the nervous system. An irritated nerve creates a vicious loop. At ALLCARE HEALTH & REHABILITATION, our job is to locate these areas of your spine and reduce their impact on your nervous system.
Precise Nudge
A thorough examination helps us identify areas of your spine where spinal bones are stuck and not moving correctly. Then, we give them a precise little nudge called a “chiropractic adjustment.” Your body uses this energy to “right itself” as nerve irritation is reduced. Because chiropractic addresses the integrity of your nervous system, it’s a natural solution to many health problems. To get started on your path to wellness, give us a call.