A bulging or herniated disk in the lumbar spine may press against nerve roots that supply the sciatic nerve, a major nerve to the leg, and can cause severe shooting leg pains (sciatica) as a result.
Sciatica is often characterized by pain radiating from the back into the buttocks and into the legs. The term is also used to refer to pain anywhere along the course of the sciatic nerve.

Causes and Characteristics of Sciatica

Sciatica is often the result of cumulative damage. Years of:Sciatica is often the result of cumulative damage. Years of:

• Bad posture
• Poor muscle tone
• Excess weight

Something as simple as bending over to tie your shoes can trigger an episode. Spinal decay can be another culprit.  Instead of disc thinning that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve roots, arthritic bone spurs can intrude into the space normally reserved for the nerve.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SCIATICA?

Like a large river created by smaller streams, five pairs of nerves exit the spine in the lower back to form the two sciatic nerves.  The soft, pulpy disc between each spinal bone is often involved.  While a disc can’t “slip”, it can bulge, herniate or rupture.  This can put direct pressure on the nearby nerves.  The result?  Swelling, inflammation, pain when coughing, sneezing or with other kinds of movement.

Sciatica often worsens with extended bed rest. Pain pills or muscle relaxers are unable to correct the nerve compression caused by a bulging disc. Physical therapy merely exercises the unstable joints.  Surgery often involves cutting away disc tissue or removing bone to make room for the nerve.

What Can Chiropractic Do?

Improving joint motion with a series of chiropractic adjustments has produced results for millions. “Before” and “after” images of the lower back often show improved disc height and spacing. Many patients report that they can resume their lives and that their symptoms disappear without drugs or surgery.

Chiropractic is the natural approach to relief and better health. Chiropractic is the natural approach to relief and better health. Results are felt after weeks or months of care.  Naturally, this varies from patient to patient.  Many patients discover that years of neglect have produced spinal instabilities that never fully heal.  These patients elect to continue with chiropractic checkups.

Chiropractic is the natural choice that should be made before submitting to dangerous and irreversible surgery.

DID YOU KNOW?

A study done by the Committee on Research of the International Chiropractor’s Association, Parker Chiropractic Research Foundation, the Kale Network and Kale Research Center, found that with a Chiropractic treatment plan:

• 85% of patients with Sciatica showed results that were much improved
• 9.4% were slightly improved
• 5.1% remained the same
• 0.5% were worse

You deserve more than living with sciatic pain.  Call Walker Road Chiropractic in Beaverton to make an appointment and find out how chiropractic can help you!  (503) 439-9494