Causes for Sciatica & Chiropractic Care

Living a sedentary lifestyle, improper form or injury while participating in sports or physical activities, obesity, and age can alter the natural function of the body and lead to sciatica.

Individuals who spend an extended period of time sitting, especially with an incorrect slouching posture, can increase the risk of developing spine conditions. Prolonged sitting without stretching or standing places excess amounts of pressure on the spine. The additional stress from an improper posture can lead to subluxations, or misalignments of the spine, a condition which can cause an impingement of the nerves on the spine or sciatica symptoms.

Also, performing a sport or physical activity incorrectly can cause injury that may often result in sciatica. Individuals who frequently twist their bodies or weight lift, most frequently experience symptoms of sciatica. Injury isn’t always caused by strenuous exercises and workouts. Occasionally, individuals who work in jobs that require lifting movements can also develop pain and discomfort from this condition.

And last, physical changes in an individual’s body, such as obesity and/or aging, can also cause sciatica. Carrying an excess of weight can produce numerous health related complications and the extra pounds can add excessive strain on the spine, causing damage which can result in sciatica. As we age, the body undergoes natural degeneration of the joints and bones, most specifically in individuals who lived sedentary lives. The deterioration of the spine with age frequently causes herniated disks and bone spurs, conditions which may result in sciatica.

Fortunately, there are several treatment options for individuals with sciatica symptoms. Chiropractic care for sciatica focuses on spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to gradually restore the natural condition of the spine. Through chiropractic treatment, a chiropractor will work to carefully re-align the spine, reducing the stress and pressure on the lower back causing compression on the nerves. Chiropractic can also help alleviate any other injuries or conditions of the spine that may have been the source of an individual’s sciatica.

Alternatively, a chiropractor may also recommend strengthening exercises as a follow up treatment for sciatic pain. A consistent exercise program developed according to each individual’s level of symptoms will strengthen the muscles to help the body function more effectively. It’s important to always consult a medical professional before attempting any form of physical activity to prevent further injury for your condition.

Over the counter medications can occasionally be used together with chiropractic treatment and exercise to temporarily relief the symptoms of sciatica. Anti-inflammatory medications are frequently used to reduce the inflammation around the nerve. Daily doses of certain supplements can also help improve an individual’s overall health as well as improve certain symptoms.

Sciatica and its associated symptoms of pain and discomfort can be a difficult condition for many individuals to experience. If you’ve experienced pain, numbness and tingling sensations, or weakness on the lower back, its important to seek an immediate diagnosis to determine any possible conditions which may be causing sciatic pain. By knowing the treatment options for treating sciatica, individuals suffering from the condition can achieve relief and restore their body’s natural function once more.

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.elpasochiropractorblog.com

Sciatica is defined as a set of symptoms, such as pain, numbness and tingling sensations, or weakness on the lower back, buttocks, or back of the leg, usually caused when a herniated disk or bone spur in the spine compresses the nerve. Various other types of conditions or direct trauma from an injury can cause symptoms of sciatica but, most of them are characterized by increased pressure on the spine. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

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