sciatica and leg pain

What is Sciatica? (pronounced sci-at-i-kuh)
It usually begins as pain in the lower back and then extends down into one or both of the buttocks and/or the legs. The pain is usually aggravated by sitting or standing too long. The nerves that exit between the bones in your lower back join together to form a large nerve that travels down your legs all the way to your toes. The soft, pulpy disc between each spinal bone is often involved. The disc does not really slip, but instead, the spinal bone on top of it shifts out of alignment, which in turn, allows the disc to bulge, herniate or rupture. This can irritate the nearby nerves which extend down into the leg. The result? Swelling. Inflammation. Pain when coughing, sneezing or with other kinds of movement.

How do you treat sciatica?
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. Fortunately, sciatica often responds to safe, natural chiropractic care. Improving joint motion with a series of chiropractic adjustments has produced results for millions. Chiropractic gets to the root cause of the pain and helps to eliminate future aggravation. "Before and after" images of the lower back often show improved spinal alignment and reduced disc bulges. Many patients report that they can resume their lives and that their symptoms disappear without drugs of surgery!

How so you get sciatica?
It's easy to trace some spinal problems to an event, such as a car accident. Yet, sciatica is often the result of cumulative damage. Years of bad posture, poor muscle tone, excess weight or countless other causes set the stage. Then, something simple like 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.

How long will I need chiropractic care?
Most sciatica patients are delighted with the results they get after weeks or months of care. Naturally, this varies from patient to patient. Many discover that years of neglect have produced spinal instabilities that never fully heal. These patients elect to continue with periodic chiropractic checkups. It's always up to you!