Sciatica | Sciatica Nerve Treatment with Vancouver Chiropractic
Benefits of Vancouver Chiropractic Care for Sciatica Pain
Sciatica is a severe condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Sciatica radiates pain along the sciatic nerve, running from the lower back down the legs. This blog will explore how chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate sciatica pain and improve overall spinal function. Latitude Wellness Vancouver offers Vancouver chiropractic care, provided by Dr. Sereena Uppal, with a holistic approach to treatments for individuals with sciatica pain.
What is sciatica, and what causes it?
Sciatica is a condition that affects many people and can cause significant discomfort and disability. Sciatica is a compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body and runs from the lower back down to the legs.
People suffering from sciatica often complain of hip pain that extends to the buttocks and the calves. It usually comes with other symptoms like numbing and tingling sensations on the toes and feet. However, for most patients, the pain only occurs on one leg.
A study found that herniated discs account for 90 percent of sciatica cases around the globe. As a result, the bulging discs compress the spinal cord's nerve root.
Several factors can contribute to the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, including:
A herniated disc can occur when a spinal disc's soft, gelatinous center bulges out and puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Degenerative disc disease happens as we age. The discs in our spine start to deteriorate and become less effective at cushioning the vertebrae, leading to pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Spinal stenosis happens when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebral body slips out of place onto the vertebral body below it, causing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
The piriformis muscle becomes tight or inflamed, putting pressure on the sciatica nerve and causing piriformis syndrome.
Increased weight and pressure on the pelvis during pregnancy can cause the sciatic nerve to become compressed.
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
The symptoms of sciatica pain tend to vary from one patient to another. However, most patients report that their symptoms spike when they cough, sneeze or change their position.
Sciatica pain runs down the lower back and the legs, radiating along the sciatic nerve. Some common symptoms of sciatica include:
Pain in the lower back is often one of the first sciatica symptoms.
Pain in the buttock area is another common symptom of sciatica.
Pain radiates down the leg and can feel like a dull ache, sharp pain, or burning sensation. This pain often radiates down the leg and even into the toes.
Weakness in the affected leg is another common symptom of sciatica.
Difficulty moving or struggling to stand up, walk, or move their legs.
The severity and duration of sciatica vary greatly. Some people experience only mild discomfort, while others have severe pain. Although sciatica can cause permanent nerve damage, it rarely causes permanent nerve damage. Therefore, it's highly likely for those suffering from a mild type of sciatica to get well. The pain may subside if you practice self-care or seek assistance from a Vancouver chiropractor at Latitude Wellness for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Sciatica and the nerve roots of the spinal cord
In understanding sciatica, knowing more about the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, is crucial. It traverses the entire length of your lower body, from one side of the buttocks to one of your feet. But, it primarily allows you to feel various sensations and sends instructions from your brain to your limbs.
Five nerve fibres stemming from the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine comprise the sciatic nerve. As a result, patients' symptoms may vary depending on the involved nerve fibres. Some of the specific symptoms that may you can experience include the following:
S1 nerve compression sciatica: The S1 nerve root supplies sensation and motor function instruction to your toes. Hence, you may suffer from sciatica if you notice numbness or weakness when standing or raising your heel.
L4 nerve compression sciatica: Compression in the L4 nerve root can result in difficulty in straightening the affected leg. It could also diminish patellar reflexes, which means if your physician tries tapping your knee, your leg won't jerk.
L5 nerve compression sciatica: You can tell your L5 nerve root is affected by checking for numbness or pain on top of your foot or the skin between your big toe and the next toe.
It's also possible that more than one of your nerve roots suffers from compression. In such cases, you will notice a combination of the abovementioned symptoms.
Signs you need medical assistance for sciatica
Fortunately, even with the extreme and prolonged pain caused by sciatica, it's not a life-threatening problem. However, you should check if the symptoms of sciatica nerve pain progress over time. If it gets worse, seek medical assistance. Take note of the following symptoms:
The pain doesn't go away: If your pain worsens and you feel numbness or weakness in your leg, you may have severe nerve damage.
The pain persists on both limbs: As discussed earlier, sciatica is primarily limited to one limb. However, some bilateral sciatica cases affect both legs and cause a severe impact on the bladder and bowels. It's also likely for patients with bilateral sciatica to suffer from genital dysfunctions and cauda equina.
You feel feverish or have appetite loss: It's rare and often abnormal for sciatica patients to experience fever or appetite loss. However, for good measure, you should contact your doctor if you experience such symptoms.
How can chiropractic adjustments help alleviate sciatica pain?
Chiropractic adjustments can effectively alleviate sciatica pain. The goal of chiropractic adjustments is to correct any misalignments in the spine that may be adding pressure to the sciatic nerve and causing pain.
Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-invasive approach to healthcare that aims to restore the body's natural balance and alleviate pain. One of the ways chiropractors do this is by performing spinal adjustments, which are gentle manipulations of the spine that help correct misalignments and improve the function of the nervous system.
Vancouver chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate sciatica pain by:
Reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve: By correcting spinal misalignments, chiropractic adjustments can help reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve and help alleviate pain, numbness and tingling the patient may be experiencing.
Improving spinal function: The spine protects the spinal cord and nerves and supports the body. By correcting misalignments, chiropractic adjustments can improve the overall operation of the spine, reducing the likelihood of future problems and pain.
Increasing circulation: Chiropractic adjustments can help improve circulation, vital for reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
Stimulating the nervous system: The nervous system controls the function of all the other systems in the body, and chiropractic adjustments can help improve the overall operation of the nervous system.
Relieving muscle tension: Sciatica can cause muscle tension, making the pain worse. Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate this tension and provide relief from pain.
It's important to note that chiropractic care is not a one-size-fits-all solution; the best approach will depend on the individual's situation and the underlying cause of their sciatica. At Latitude Wellness, our chiropractor will work with the patient to develop a customized treatment plan that may include chiropractic adjustments, stretching, and exercises to help alleviate sciatica pain.
Advantages of Vancouver chiropractic for sciatica treatment
Vancouver Chiropractic care is a safe and effective option for patients seeking sciatica treatment. Below is a list of benefits of chiropractic care for sciatica treatment compared to other therapies:
Non-invasive: Unlike surgery or injections, chiropractic treatment is non-invasive and does not require incisions or needles. As a result, chiropractic care is an excellent option for people seeking a natural and gentle approach to managing their pain.
Focuses on the root cause: Chiropractors take a holistic approach to sciatica treatment, correcting misalignments in the spine that may be causing pressure on the sciatic nerve. Our Latitude Wellness chiropractor can help alleviate pain and prevent future problems from occurring.
Promotes natural healing: Chiropractic adjustments stimulate the body's biological healing processes, promoting overall health and well-being.
Improves overall function: Chiropractic adjustments can help improve the overall operation of the spine, reducing the likelihood of future problems and pain.
No side effects: Unlike some medications, chiropractic treatment has no adverse side effects. It is an excellent option for people seeking a natural, safe way to manage pain.
Holistic approach for sciatica pain relief
Sciatica can be a debilitating condition that affects many aspects of a person's life. Taking a holistic approach to managing sciatica pain and addressing the symptoms and underlying causes is the best way to support patients. A holistic approach to managing sciatica pain may include a combination of the following:
Vancouver Chiropractic adjustments can help correct misalignments in the spine that may be causing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Physiotherapy can help strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility, reducing the likelihood of future problems and pain.
Acupuncture can help relieve tension and improve circulation, promoting overall health and well-being.
Lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise routine, and daily habits, can help alleviate sciatica pain and prevent future problems from occurring.
Pain management techniques, such as heat therapy, ice therapy, or over-the-counter pain medications, can help relieve pain and improve quality of life.
Apply a cold or hot compress on the affected area every 20 minutes daily. You can experiment with both types of compresses. Check the temperature against your skin to avoid scalding or frostbite.
By taking a natural, holistic approach to managing sciatica pain, you can address the underlying causes of the sciatica pain and improve your overall health and well-being.
Vancouver chiropractic care
Chiropractic care provided by our chiropractor, Dr. Sereena Uppal, is a safe and effective option for people suffering from sciatica. Our Vancouver Chiropractor takes a holistic approach to sciatica treatment, focusing on correcting any misalignments in the spine that may be causing pressure on the sciatic nerve. Chiropractic treatments can help alleviate pain, promote natural healing, and improve spinal function.
Vancouver Chiropractic adjustments are non-invasive, do not have any adverse side effects, and are designed to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. By taking a holistic approach to managing sciatica pain, you can address the underlying causes of the sciatica pain and improve your overall health and well-being.
Our Vancouver chiropractor can develop a customized treatment plan if you suffer from sciatica. With the right treatment plan and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, you can experience significant relief from sciatica pain and improve your overall quality of life. So, let's get you back to doing what you love!
Latitude Wellness Vancouver
Latitude Wellness is an integrated multidisciplinary wellness clinic in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. Latitude Wellness offers the following services:
Counselling (online and in-person)
The team at Latitude Wellness works together to provide high-quality, personalized care, to help their patients achieve their health and wellness goals.
Latitude Wellness is located in downtown Vancouver at #401 - 815 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2E6
If you are interested in exploring the benefits of an integrated wellness center, contact our office to book an appointment or answer any questions. We provide a welcoming, safe, supportive environment so you can take the first steps towards a healthier and happier you. We look forward to welcoming you to Latitude Wellness.
To book an appointment, please call the office at 778-899-1195 or visit our online booking site.
A bit about the author
Dr. Sereena Uppal is a Doctor of Chiropractic and co-founder of Latitude Wellness.
Dr. Sereena Uppal specializes in chiropractic care that includes: manual adjustments, soft tissues therapy, cold laser therapy, women's health, wellness care, spinal care, prenatal and postnatal care.