Sciatic Low Back Pain and Chiropractic
Sciatic pain is a stubborn, debilitating form of low back pain. The majority of people will experience low back pain in their lifetime (in fact, it is the 2nd most common reason to visit your primary care provider), but only a portion of those people will suffer with sciatica. We treat a lot of people for sciatic back pain at our Overland Park chiropractic office, and here are some important things to know.
Traditional sciatic pain originates in the low back and travels down the back of the leg. It stays at a level above the knee, and does not travel further. This pain is sharp, burning, or electric. The L4, L5, and first levels of the sacral nerve roots make up the sciatic nerve, which are all located at and around the belt line of the low back. Because of the different levels of nerve roots involved, patients with sciatic pain can have some variable symptoms–other areas of the leg or thigh are experiencing pain, but the traditional textbook symptoms are still pain in the hamstring area.
Often a disc is involved. At our office we take X-rays and can see what the arrangement and aggravating factors are below the skin. This gives us specificity and safety when it comes to treatment. If a disc is involved, patients generally feel worse when sitting for long periods and feel better when moving. Disc issues tend to be more chronic, slow-growing as back pain. Patients don’t typically wake up suddenly with sciatic pain coming from a disc: it takes months to years to develop. By the time pain develops, the issue has already been getting worse for a long time. Early detection and wellness care by a chiropractor can help prevent these issues from developing, just like a dentist catches plaque on your teeth before it becomes a cavity.
The hip muscles can also influence sciatic pain. As the sciatic nerve passes through the gluteal region and down the leg, sometimes the hip and butt muscles can compress the nerve fibers. Patients will note tender and trigger points in their hips and areas of the gluteal muscles. The sciatic pain may get worse when pressure is applied to these points. Having a correct diagnosis of what tissues are affected directs treatment for the sciatic pain.
There are many things you can do to help with sciatic pain in the low back. Movement, pain-free, is usually beneficial. Sitting for long periods and being sedentary makes the symptoms worse over time. Look at the repetitive movements and positions you hold; is there a build up of physical stress on the low back? Office workers are a good example.
Chiropractic care gets great results with low back pain, including sciatic pain. With a proper exam and diagnosis, chiropractic care can be tailored to best treat your individual case. Taking over the counter medications may help with temporary pain relief, but it isn’t touching the root cause of the pain. Call your local chiropractic and schedule a free consultation, today!
