What is Sciatica
Sciatica is defined as pain that radiates from the lower back into the buttocks and down the back of one or both legs, caused by the irritation of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve of the body. It usually begins as an acute pain in the lower back, then radiates down the back of either or both legs. There are pairs of nerves that exit the spine in the lower back. These nerves make up what we know as the sciatic nerve. If the disc is swollen, bulged or herniated, the result is pressure on those nearby nerves. This can cause tremendous pain, and normal daily activities become almost impossible. In my practice, I have successfully treated hundreds of patients with sciatica.
The one I remember the most was an elderly gentleman who was farmer and rode a tractor seat. I asked him if he wore his wallet when he was on the tractor, He said yes. I asked him to produce the wallet and when he did I was amazed at the size of the wallet. which resembled a brick. Several treatments later and after not sitting on his brick, his sciatica disappeared. Symptoms of sciatica can include but are not limited to; sensation changes on the back of the calf or the sole of the foot, numbness, tingling, burning, pain in the back of the calf or the sole of the foot. Some patients experience weakness of the knee or foot, difficulty walking, inability to move the foot and inability to bend the knee.
One technique I use in treating sciatica is called decompression therapy. This therapy is fast, effective, drug-free and safe. This exciting technology is cleared by the FDA and available to you today! With decompression, I am able to treat not only sciatica but herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, foramina encroachment and facet syndrome. Conventional chiropractic care is also very helpful in the treatment of sciatica in removing pressure placed on the sciatica nerve, reducing pain and improving flexibility and function. I hope this article will assist you in eliminating sciatica in your life. As always stay healthy and keep your spine in line so you will feel fine!
Dr. Joel Desaulniers