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Dear Doctor: I have been
experiencing low back pain which seems to be radiating into my legs. What
causes this? J.O. Billings
“Sciatica” is a low back pain condition characterized by pain
originating in the low back or buttock region radiating to the hip and back
of the thigh and often down the back of the legs. This condition is
generally caused by compression, irritation or inflammation of the sciatic
nerve, which is both the longest and largest nerve in the human body. The
sciatic nerve is made up of five smaller nerve roots which extend from the
lower portion of the spinal column near the pelvis and join together to
branch out on both sides of the body traveling down each leg. This nerve
then divides into smaller nerves which drape into the thighs, knees, legs
and toes. When irritated, the condition we refer to as “sciatica”
manifests, which is a distracting pain involving symptoms of numbness,
tingling, burning, cramping and an achy soreness which navigates along the
distribution of the sciatic nerve path.
Individuals suffering from sciatica can expect to experience a varied
assortment of symptoms. Pain may be constant, with varying degrees of
intensity. It may then subside for hours or even days. For some, the pain
can be intense “shooting pain,” firing down one or both of the legs into
the feet. Others may experience only a dull ache or numbness traveling into
the back of the thighs or legs. Sciatic pain is usually preceded by low
back pain for a period of time. Eventually, pain can radiate down one or
both legs which ultimately can become worse than the pain in the back.
Generally however, individuals suffering from sciatica for extended periods
of time will find that the pain and discomfort tend to localize in the
buttock and thigh.
The term “sciatica” refers to a set of symptoms which result as a
consequence of what is irritating the sciatic nerve root and causing the
pain. Treatment of this condition depends on identifying the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica is generally caused by compression of one or more of the roots
of the sciatic nerve rather than the actual sciatic nerve itself. This
becomes significant as these roots emanate from the low back. Any
compromised structure in the low back such as a misaligned lumbar spine can
impose pressure on these nerve roots, causing interference and pressure on
the sciatic nerve resulting in severe pain. While sciatica is often the
result of a misalignment of a vertebrae, other disorders known to cause
sciatic nerve pain include herniated or bulging discs (usually the result
of some form of trauma), degeneration, faulty pelvic alignment or spinal
canal stenosis, a condition in which the canal
occupied by the spinal cord is narrowed which compromises the exiting
pathway of the sciatic nerve root. The sciatic nerve flows through a muscle
in the buttocks region called the piriformis.
Soft tissue tension in the piriformis or
contiguous muscles can result in contraction and spasm, thus constricting
the sciatic nerve resulting in symptoms involving pain, numbness, pins and
needles or other malfunction.
Oftentimes, sciatica manifests as a result of faulty postural
mechanics such as spending excessive time in a seated position,
insufficient stretching and exercise, heavy lifting, bending, twisting or
inappropriate sleeping patterns. Sciatica has also been linked to a variety
of non-spinal conditions such as arthritis, tumors, vitamin deficiencies
and even diabetes.
Treatment
The good news is that most cases of sciatica can be treated
effectively and successfully. Because of the numerous and diverse causes
which can impose compressive irritation of sciatic nerve roots, treatment
options differ from patient to patient and will vary according to the cause
and severity. Most cases of sciatica can be treated effectively with some
form of therapy, such as chiropractic treatment, physical therapy or
massage therapy, in addition to amending behaviors and living or working
environments. Nutritional counseling is paramount, as deficiencies in our
diets can result in tissue infirmity, thus inhibiting the body’s ability to
recover. Treatment amalgamation is also encouraged and has proven
successful in the management of this condition. Acupuncture has also been sited
as an effective treatment for the pain associated with this condition. The
main goal in the treatment of sciatica is to decrease pain, increase
mobility and restore normal functioning.
Whatever the cause of sciatica, it is important to seek treatment swiftly
and without delay to avoid long-term damage. Don’t suffer needlessly. See
your health care professional when the pain first begins. Our bodies never
stop communicating with us. Listen closely, and revitalize your health.
Yellowstone Naturopathic
Clinic
720 N. 30th St.
Billings, MT 59101
PHONE 406·259·5096/FAX 406·248·5655
ync@180com.net
Dispensary
406·254·9682
dispensary@yncnaturally.com
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