Sciatica is the inflammation of the sciatic nerve, a nerve that extends from the lower spine, all the way down the leg. It can result in a extreme pain that radiates at different points along the nerve, from the lower buttocks, down to the feet. Sciatica is not a condition, but a symptom which can be caused by many conditions. The most characteristic sciatica symptoms involve pain that starts in the base of the spine and radiates down one, or both, of the legs. Sciatica is the result of a collection of symptoms brought about by diverse problems in the spine. If you have herniated a disc, for example, the gel-like fluid that escapes from the tough outer fibers of the disc may put pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing pain and other symptoms.
Sciatica is a fairly common health problem with a lifetime incidence (the number of individuals that have experienced sciatica at some point in their lives) varying from 13 to 40 percent. The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc. Sciatica is a type of radiculopathy. Radiculopathies are disorders that affect the nerve roots or nerves. A variety of disorders can cause this back pain, including, but not limited to, disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis, facet joint osteoarthritis or other arthropathies, spinal cord infection or tumor, or spondylolisthesis.
Sciatica is most often diagnosed and treated by a Chiropractor, specializing in the realignment of the spine. Making a diagnosis of sciatica begins with taking a thorough medical history, including symptoms. A consultation will help determine the origin of Sciatic pain, and what is causing pressure on the nerves in the lower back. The Chiropractor will be able to make the diagnosis based on your medical history, a physical examination, and your description of your symptoms.
Sciatic pain may last for weeks, months, and even years if left untreated. Standing, lifting, sitting, or straining any part of the back is most likely to aggravate it. Lying down, and taking pressure off your spine is usually the most comfortable position to get some immediate relief. Lower back pain and leg pain might also be caused by sport injuries, or a joint disorder, such as arthritis on the hip, or sacroiliac joint. This type of pain, accurately diagnosed, is called referred pain. It is quite common, but is not sciatica.
Exercises such as piliates are useful to correct poor muscle tone and posture, and restore the strength of your back and stability. Piliates can often improve back pain and also help to prevent future episodes. Exercise and diet are the two foundations of this approach. Another important observation is to review your routine daily activities and look for habits or postures that are placing excessive stress on your back. Exercising you abdominal and back muscles regularly can help you stabilize the spine. In order to prevent further back injury, you might as well to learn and do some gentle stretching exercises to restore good posture. ChiroYoga has also been shown to provide a long term solution for healthy spine.
Lower back pain ranks only below the common cold as a leading cause of missed work hours by American workers. According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as a quarter of all American adults will experience lower back pain over any given three month period, and eight of ten people will have lower back pain at one time in their life. Since lower back pain can be caused by numerous potentially more serious problems, it is important you see your local Chiropractor for a consultation to prevent exposure to greater injuries, making matters worse.
Learn more about sciatica and lower back pain treatments. Manhattan Chiropractor Get a free consultation for lower back pain with Dr. Louis Granirer. Get long term relief from Sciatic nerve pain.