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Sciatica is an umbrella term used to describe feelings of pain in the lower back, buttock, leg, or foot, as well as muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. These symptoms are associated with compression, irritation, or inflammation of one of the five roots that comprise the sciatic nerve, or of the sciatic nerve itself.

The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body. It begins from nerve roots in the lumbar (lower back) spine and extends to send nerve endings down the legs.

Sciatica is often the result of a misalignment in the lower spine. This type of subluxation can pinch the root of the sciatic nerve, causing pressure and pain. There are a number of different causes of sciatica, however; it is extremely important to identify the causative factor before starting treatment.

What Causes Sciatica?

The symptoms of sciatica may be the result of any of the following conditions:

• Herniated Disc: Lumbar discs are meant to provide a cushion between vertebra; when one of these discs bulges or herniates, disc material can press against an adjacent nerve root and compress nerve tissue.
• Trauma: Direct nerve compression can be caused by external forces on the lumbar nerve roots. This can happen during auto accidents, sports injuries, or other traumatic events.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women are more likely to develop herniated discs; this is often the cause of sciatica during pregnancy.
• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: This condition occurs when the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord and nerves. Spinal degeneration due to aging is one cause of this condition, as well as disc herniations.
• Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolisthesis causes sciatica when one vertebrae slips and is displaced, leading to spinal nerve root compression and leg pain.
• Spinal Tumors: Both benign and malignant spinal tumors are rare, but they can cause sciatica symptoms as a result of nerve compression.

Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica

Chiropractic recognizes that the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves) is responsible for every function of the human body. When the spine is not properly aligned for any reason, nerves can become pinched, compressed, or damaged. This leads to pain, numbness, tingling, and a general malfunctioning of the body part that corresponds to affected nerves.

After a proper diagnosis has been made (see below for more on this), chiropractic care responds to sciatica symptoms by eliminating subluxations in the spine that are causing trauma to the nerves. When the nerves are free to work as intended, sciatica symptoms can be eliminated. It is important to note that chiropractic is a healthy, drug free, and non-invasive treatment for sciatica that relieves not only pain, but also the cause of pain.

Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation: Treatment for Sciatica

Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation takes a multi-disciplinary approach to treating sciatica. Along with chiropractic care, our facility incorporates massage therapy, physical therapy, and acupuncture.

Chiropractic treatment for sciatica begins with a proper diagnosis. A total neurological and orthopedic exam is performed in conjunction with our on-site x-ray technology. Other imaging techniques, such as an MRI, may be used; in this case, we are certified to read and review the results of MRI imaging.

Chiropractic adjustments are designed to remove the interference that is causing sciatic nerve pain and other symptoms. Massage therapy is helpful in reducing muscle spasms, while physical therapy works to regain normal movement in the areas where nerves have been affected.

At Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation, we incorporate traditional chiropractic techniques with the newest and best chiropractic concepts. Our Doctors of Chiropractic are certified in the use of Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP), a revolutionary practice that emphasizes optimal posture and spinal alignment as a primary goal. CBP can help to reduce pain while making significant changes to the spinal column in a safe, gradual way. CBP combines adjustment, exercise, and traction for result-oriented outcomes.

It is important not to ignore the symptoms of sciatica, or wait until the pain becomes unbearable before seeking treatment. Sciatica is a serious condition that, when left untreated, can cause long term damage. Please contact our Red Bank, New Jersey office as soon as you begin experiencing sciatica symptoms.