Sciatica

Sciatica is a term that gets thrown around quite a bit as soon as someone complains of pain running down the leg. Sciatic nerve pain is when there is radiating pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, this is from your lower spine through the buttock and down the back of the leg. In some cases, depending on where the nerve is affected, the pain can run all the way to the foot. It is typically one sided but in serious cases affect both legs. 

Sciatica pain is actually a symptom rather than a medical condition, illness, or disease and signals an underlying medical issue.

The sciatic nerve is like a large river with many smaller rivers flowing into it, the small rivers are the nerve roots from the lower back and all come together to make the sciatic nerve around the hip region. The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the body, about the width of a human finger.


SYMPTOMS OF PATHOLOGY TO THE SCIATIC NERVE:

• Burning or tingling down the leg.
• Low back pain.
• Pain worse when sitting on the effected side.
• Hip pain.
• Weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot.
• Shooting pain.
• Bowel and bladder function affected.

CAUSES

Sciatica is commonly cause by pressure or irritation from a disc herniation or disc bulge. The disc is pressing on one of the lumbar or sacral nerve roots. This is present in around 90% of cases and often occurs during heavy lifting. Other causes include:
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• Lumbar spine stenosis (Narrowing of the spinal canal where the nerve exits from the spinal cord).
• Spondylolisthesis (When a vertebra in spine slips forward over the one below).
• Degenerative disc disease (Loss of disc height, decreasing the space for the spinal cord and nerves).
• Pregnancy.
• Muscle spasm in low back or buttocks (piriformis muscle is a common site).

PREVENTION

• Maintain healthy weight.
• Exercise regularly to build strength.
• Low back stretches.
• Proper lifting techniques.
• Use good posture when sitting, standing and sleeping

GENERAL TREATMENT

Most cases do not require surgery, but the type of therapy will depend on severity of the condition and include:

• Rest.
• Medication (paracetamol, anti-inflammatory drugs).
• Physical therapy (chiropractic, physiotherapy or massage).
• Physical activity
• Lifestyle changes.

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How does chiropractic care help with sciatica?

Chiropractic treatment is used when the issue causing the sciatic nerve pain is musculoskeletal without serious pathology (disc issue, muscle spasm, mild forms of degeneration in the back or postural related, are some examples). The main goals are to de-load the back, take pressure off the irritated nerve and strengthen structures in the low back and gluteal region. Modalities used in chiropractic to treat the cause of sciatica include:

• Massage/trigger point therapy/fascial releases.
• Dry needling.
• Taping.
• Manipulation.
• Mobilisation.
• Education.
• Patient specific rehab.

If you have any issues regarding to low back pain or pain referral down the leg, I highly recommend visiting a health professional. If you are local to the Loftus area, health associates would be more than happy to help you with these issues. 


REFERENCES

Valat, Jean-Pierre, et al. "Sciatica." Best practice & research Clinical rheumatology 24.2 (2010): 241-252.

Koes, Bart W., M. W. Van Tulder, and W. C. Peul. "Diagnosis and treatment of sciatica." Bmj 334.7607 (2007): 1313-1317.

Vroomen, Patrick CAJ, et al. "Conservative treatment of sciatica: a systematic review." Clinical Spine Surgery 13.6 (2000): 463-469.

Ropper, Allan H., and Ross D. Zafonte. "Sciatica." New England Journal of Medicine 372.13 (2015): 1240-1248.
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​Joshua Hallinan
Chiropractor

Joshua is a very focused, dedicated and committed Practitioner.  
Growing up in Menai, he has been actively involved in  AFL and Cricket and  currently has a passion for Soccer and strength based training. He loves sport but more importantly, Joshua can see the major benefits of being active and moving regularly.
Joshua's special interests are in sports injuries, musculoskeletal complaints and headaches. He enjoys helping relieve pain and alignments and supporting his patients to live optimally as well as instilling optimism and personal belief that moving well is important for a happy and health life.
You know when you see Joshua you are in the hands of someone who continually strives to be ahead in his profession and will bring his expertise and skill to all of his patients. You'll find Josh has a friendly and enthusiastic personality, who is also very relaxed and down to earth to be with, leaving you feel comfortable and confident in his treatment and recommendations. 
Availability
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday - 3pm - 7pm
Friday - 3pm - 7pm

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