Sciatica

Sciatica, a common complaint, can vary in severity. For some, it’s an additional annoyance they’d rather be without, but for others, it can be debilitatingly painful. However, there is hope for relief from this pain, and we are here to help you on this journey.

 

Symptoms

Sciatica can range from a feeling similar to a constant, deep, dull toothache or a tight string going down the back of the leg to a lightning-sharp, stabbing pain that goes from the buttock to the foot. It can often be accompanied by leg cramps, pins and needles, numbness and in more severe cases, a loss of strength in the calf, shin or foot muscles. The pain can vary from a low-grade ache to a debilitating pain where walking is almost impossible, as a person can barely put any pressure on their leg.

Sciatica is often associated with lower back pain, and in many cases, patients will have had years of recurrent lower back pain, which then stops and is followed by sciatic pain. Some individuals also experience both conditions simultaneously, which can be highly challenging to manage.

Sciatica is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, which in turn is often due to disc injury or a “slipped disc”, but it can also result from spinal degeneration narrowing the holes through which the sciatic nerve emerges out of the spine, or from cysts and tumours which develop around the nerves inside the spine. In other cases, Sciatica can be the result of muscular imbalances in the pelvis, such as in Piriformis Syndrome.

 

Treatment

True Sciatica is notoriously difficult to resolve – but thankfully, Chiropractic has a good track record in this respect. The first step in any sciatica case, however, is to ensure that Sciatica is, in fact, the correct diagnosis. We see many patients who believe they have sciatica when in fact the pain they experience is being referred from damaged joints, muscles, ligaments and tissues in the lower back. In this instance, it’s simple to treat these issues with chiropractic care.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in achieving a good result. If referred lower back pain is ruled out, X-rays can help understand the cause of sciatica. Starting treatment early, with a combination of chiropractic care, massage, and acupuncture, can be a practical approach to managing pain. Remember, the sooner you act, the better the outcome will be.

At Complete Chiropractic, our chiropractic approach is designed to achieve adequate relief from sciatica as quickly as possible. We utilise a variety of spinal adjustments, manipulation, and exercises to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve, and then develop a corrective plan to help prevent its recurrence.

 

How Chiropractic Can Help

Chiropractic care can play a vital role in alleviating sciatica by addressing the underlying issues that contribute to nerve irritation. Through targeted spinal adjustments and manipulations, chiropractors can help restore proper alignment and function to the spine, which may relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. Additionally, chiropractors often incorporate therapeutic exercises tailored to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine and pelvis, promoting better stability and reducing the risk of future episodes. By utilising a holistic approach that focuses on the body’s natural ability to heal, chiropractic care not only alleviates pain but also aims to enhance overall mobility and quality of life for those suffering from sciatica.

 

Why choose Complete Chiropractic?

At Complete Chiropractic, we offer a wide range of specialisms and diagnostic facilities on-site at the clinic. This means we can quickly get to the bottom of your sciatic pain and provide a coherent and individualised program. You can trust in our expertise and experience.

Since 2014, it has been known that a combination of manipulative therapy and an exercise-based program (our preferred approach) is the most effective way to combat sciatica. A 2014 paper reported greater improvements in most patient-rated outcomes, including pain and disability, after 12 weeks of dual chiropractic and exercise care. Patients treated with a dual approach report significantly reduced pain, medication use, and disability, and, most importantly, show high satisfaction with their treatment.