How Chiropractic can Help Sciatica
Sciatica is a commonly referred to condition that is also over-blamed for a lot of back and leg pain. We discussed in a previous blog the difference between sciatica and other conditions so if you wish to know what separates sciatica from other conditions click here. In a nutshell, sciatica usually refers to a pain that shoots down the leg which can go into the foot, usually it is pain that feels like electricity/pins & needles/burning/numbness which are all types of nerve pain. Low back pain is commonly associated with sciatica, but it is not sciatica which is also a misconception.
What Causes Sciatica?
As mentioned above sciatica is nerve pain, which runs along the sciatic nerve located at the back of the leg, centrally. When the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, it can cause pain that radiates along the nerve's path.
Ther are many causes of sciatica but some of the most common include:
Herniated or bulging discs: When the soft, gel-like centre of a spinal disc protrudes (it doesn’t slip!). This protrusion can sometimes crack through the exterior on the disc, however the protrusion can press on the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica
Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the nerve roots and/or spinal cord resulting in pain/irritation along the sciatic nerve.
Piriformis syndrome: While this is not a common cause many people believe this muscle to be the sole reason for much of their “sciatica”. This is because the referral pattern of pain produced from the piriformis commonly shoots down the leg mimicking sciatica. However, there are some people who have a normal anatomical variance where the sciatic nerve runs through the muscle which increases the likelihood of irritation (though this is estimated to be approximately 5% of the population). If you are one of the many who do not have this variance there is still a chance for compression of the nerve by the piriformis muscle but it is much less common.
Degenerative disc disease: Discs wear down over time with the natural aging process, which results in the space between spinal vertebrae to also reduce. This will put more load and pressure into the spinal joints resulting in changes due to the increased load. This will change the loading strategy of the spine and can result in a reduced size of the exit hole for the nerve roots which can lead to sciatic nerve irritation or pain.
Symptoms of sciatica will vary in intensity and duration from person to person, with some feeling a mild tingling or numbness to severe pain that makes standing or walking difficult.
Healing Time Without Treatment
The natural course of sciatica can vary. For some people, the pain might resolve on its own within 4 to 6 weeks. However, for others, sciatica can become a chronic condition, persisting for months or even years if left untreated. The healing time depends on the severity of the underlying cause, overall health, and other lifestyle factors.
It is possible for healing to occur on it’s own without intervention, however early treatment can improve your recovery time and comfort levels during this time significantly.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Sciatica
Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing and alleviating sciatica symptoms. A complete treatment plan will include Manual therapy, education & activity modification, a graded exposure plan for activity & exercise.
1. Manual Therapy
At Seib Chiropractic we use a mixture of joint mobilisation techniques (including adjustments), soft tissue release techniques, dry needling, cupping & more. We do not specify which is best practice as it will always depend on the patient in front of us as one thing that may work someone may not work well for another with the same issue. Manual therapy techniques usually need to be used in conjunction with one another and with exercise to maximise recovery. We have a strong philosophy to utilise our manual therapy techniques to influence your pain experience in a positive way, giving a window to begin loaded exercises and further improve your condition.
2. Exercise Rehab
With all our patients we have an intention to get your moving and loading as soon as possible, sciatica is no different. Within the clinic our approach can vary patient to patient however some common things we utilise from an exercise perspective is:
A. Free the nerve pathway
We utilise a variety of nerve gliding techniques to aid the nerve pathway in its motion. This has the aim to desensitise the nerve and reduce any compressive contribution to the pain experience.
B. Mobilise the spine
Spinal motion is vital as that is the foundation of the sciatic nerve. It is critical to maintain movement options at the spine which will aid in effective nerve function. Things like dead bugs, cat cows, to Jefferson curls can all be helpful. Like anything in this article don’t just jump in and do these exercises without consulting a medical or health professional as your circumstances may not be appropriate for our suggestions.
C. Load the posterior leg
The sciatic nerve innervates the majority of the lower leg. By loading the muscles in the back of the leg progressively we can stimulate the nerve to a level that does not aggravate but provides good adaptations leading to desensitisation & increased tolerance of the sciatic nerve and by extension the nervous system.
Combining Chiropractic Care and Exercise for Optimal Recovery
The combination of chiropractic care and exercise offers a comprehensive approach to managing sciatica. While manual therapy & adjustments can provide quick relief by addressing the pain experience, exercise then helps strengthen the musculoskeletal system & improve mobility of the spine, but the key is exercise aids in improving tolerance of the system, allowing for greater levels of stress to be experienced and managed without pain.
Conclusion
Sciatica can be a painful and debilitating condition, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent one. Chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive way to manage and alleviate sciatica symptoms, allowing for a quicker and more comfortable recovery. By combining manual therapy with targeted exercise rehabilitation, individuals can address the underlying causes of their sciatica, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life.