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The spinal cord is the information pathway that transmits signals from the brain to the rest of the body. The bodyβs limbs and organs cannot function properly without regular communication flowing through the spinal cord. Understanding how the sciatic nerve responds to the other parts of the body can clarify how a doctor of chiropractic heals sciatica.Β When severe pain presents, normal communication is overridden for body and health preservation. The sciatic nerve is an important part of the spinal cord and requires a trained professional to aid in proper and effective healing.
Table of Contents
Sciatica happens when the nerves are compressed/pinched in some form. Lower back conditions can be the cause of such compression. Sciatica can be reduced and healed. Conditions that can lead to sciatic pain include:
Sciatica often includes:
Normal activities can become strained as individuals experience these symptoms. Pressure on the nerve can be decreased and healed with professional chiropractic care. The human spine consists of 31 pairs of nerves. Five of these pairs are in the lumbar/lower back region, and five are right below that area in the sacral region. The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back. It goes down through the hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, and calves and ends in the foot.
Causes could be something as simple as sitting on a bulging wallet or sitting for extended lengths of time can result in decreased blood flow to the area. Also, direct trauma to the gluteal muscles from automobile accidents, sports, and work injuries can lead to sciatic nerve issues and pain.
Tests and examinations will be conducted to determine the origin of the pain and develop a personalized treatment plan to expedite the healing process. Treatment can include:
Chiropractic treatment is designed to help the body activate its own healing system. It is non-invasive and drug-free, providing an organic alternative. Advanced cases of sciatica can result in muscle weakness or a loss of sensation in the legs if not properly treated. Individual treatment plans vary depending on an individualβs specific needs.
Prevention is important once the condition is healing to not cause flare-ups. Sciatica symptoms can return, especially if proper and continued care of the spine is not maintained. Preventative care and maintenance are essential for ensuring a healthy spine and body. These tips can help avoid back injuries that can lead to sciatica and help with reoccurrences:
Eggs make a great snack that will keep the body full and help you to eat less. They are a great source of protein and fat and have a healthy variety of vitamins and minerals. Hard-boiled eggs are easy to make ahead of time and are portable.
Cheese is a great snack for protein and fat. But it is important to watch the serving size if watching/limiting calories. Cottage cheese is the highest protein, but cream cheese and cheese sticks are also good options. Cheese can be paired with a serving of fruit or vegetables like grape tomatoes, bell peppers, celery, apples, or pears.
Jerky is convenient, portable, and a great way to pack extra protein throughout the day. The best option is grass-fed. Remember that some jerky is high in sodium if limiting sodium.
Natural Greek yogurt is a great option for a high-protein snack. However, many yogurts are high in sugar. Therefore, choose yogurt with less than 10 grams of sugar per serving or plain yogurt to avoid the sugar altogether. The yogurt can be sweetened with honey or fresh fruit or mixed into a smoothie.
Hummus is a great source of plant-based protein and is balanced with carbohydrates, fat, and fiber. The olive oil in the hummus provides a healthy dose of heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats. Guacamole is a delicious source of healthy fats. Both dips are calorie-dense; therefore, it is important to be aware of portion sizes. These can be paired with carrot sticks, bell peppers, or celery.
National Institutes of Health. (2019.) βSciatica.βΒ medlineplus.gov/sciatica.html.
North American Spine Society. (2012.) βClinical Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation with Radiculopathy.βΒ www.spine.org/Portals/0/assets/downloads/ResearchClinicalCare/Guidelines/LumbarDiscHerniation.pdf
StatPearls [Internet]. (2020) βAnatomy, Sciatic Nerve.βΒ www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482431/
StatPearls [Internet]. (2020) βSciatica.βΒ www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information on this blog site is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic & wellness blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those found on this site and our family practice-based chiromed.comΒ site, focusing on restoring health naturally for patients of all ages.
Our areas of chiropractic practice include Β Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols.
Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicine, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies that are available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how they may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to discuss the subject matter above further, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
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Blessings
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-BC*, CCST, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807
New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Texas & MultistateΒ
Texas RN License # 1191402Β
ANCC FNP-BC: Board Certified Nurse Practitioner*
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Degree Granted. Masters in Family Practice MSN Diploma (Cum Laude)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
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