Sciatica and Herniation

Sciatica

Sciatica is distracting pain that may be caused by general compression and/or irritation of one of five nerve roots in the low back that give rise to the sciatic nerve, or by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve itself. The pain is felt in the lower back, buttock, and/or various parts of the leg and foot. In addition to pain, which is sometimes severe, there may be numbness, muscular weakness, and difficulty in moving or controlling the leg. Typically, the symptoms are only felt on one side of the body. Although the pain appears to be in the leg, the culprit is often in the lower back!

Herniation (Slipped disc)

The discs between the spinal verterbrae of the lower back are often the primary cause of sciatica. The discs are composed of a spongiform ring of cartilage with a more gel-like center. These discs cushion the spine from compressive forces, but may be damaged by Herniated disc rotational movements, lifting and prolonged sitting. Herniation of a disc occurs when the center extrudes into the spinal canal, and compresses the nerve.

Each case is treated individually and thoroughly assessed to determine the most appropriate type of treatment which could include adjustments to the verterbrae, traction and muscle relaxation techniques. All of which will increase motion. The treatment is often combined with advice regarding lifting, working and excercises preventing future relapses. Why don’t you give us a call and find out what we can do for you?

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Chiropractic help disc problems?

< Since the intervertebral discs are so close to the nerve roots, nerve pain is quite common in disc problems. Chiropractic adjustments restore the motion in the spinal bones, thereby increasing the bloodflow to the interverbral dics and decreasing surrounding muscle and ligament tension. By doing so, the damaged tissue can heal itself and pain starts to decrease.

‘I just reached forward to pick something up!?’

< This is something we hear a lot in our practice. Our bodies are very adaptive and can take on a lot of daily stresses before we start feeling pain. At one stage the spine can not adapt anymore and one small movement like bending over the pick something up can be too much.

How much chiropractic care will be needed?

< Since in most cases sciatica originates in the lower back, treatment of the lower back will result in an increase in spinal motion and therefore a decrease in sciatic pain. The result of treatments varies per patient but in the majority of cases, relief comes quickly. Relief comes even quicker if additional advice is followed carefully.

What Is An Adjustment?

< A chiropractic adjustment involves using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixed, locked up, or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and motion. The purpose of this procedure is to improve spinal function, nervous system function, remove muscle tension, and enhance health. A chiropractic adjustment is not painful.

There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually, the chiropractors' hands are used to deliver a brief and highly accurate thrust, although specially designed instruments, or tables may also be used. After years of training and clinical experience, each chiropractor at Milton Chiropractic Clinic is highly skilled in delivering a variety of adjusting approaches.

What Is The Sound Heard During An Adjustment?

< Recent research on this subject shows that a gas (in this case nitrogen), which is normally dissolved into the surrounding tissues of the spine, rushes in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joint surfaces are slightly separated. Another example of this phenomenon would be the "pop" you hear when you take the cork out of a champagne bottle. The carbon dioxide in the champagne rushes out of the bottle when the cork is removed. This phenomenon is called a cavitation.

It is not always necessary to cause a "crack" or cavitation in order to gain the desired effect of an adjustment. The main aim is to increase movement at the specific segment of the spine to positively influence the surrounding tissues. In fact, some chiropractic adjustment techniques use little force and thus produce no sound.

Am I Too Old For Chiropractic?

< Despite common belief, getting older does not mean you have to endure aches and pains! People often disregard treatable joint and muscle problems by saying "I'm just getting old". This is often not the case, and these aches and pains of getting old may be treatable. Regardless of your age, chiropractic care can help to improve mobility and function of your body. More and more people are consulting chiropractors, especially in their later years. With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs, safe, natural chiropractic care is growing in popularity.

Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, and endurance. Many patients report improvement with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the aging process.

The adjusting technique used by the chiropractors at Milton Chiropractic Clinic will be modified for maximum comfort and results. Even patients with osteoporosis and other ailments can receive treatment with the right modifications.

Is it wise to “crack” my own back and neck?

< In short, NO!

Some people crack their own necks and backs in order to gain some relief or a 'pressure release'. There is no denying that it can give some relief in the short term, but in the long run, it may be detrimental to your spinal health.

If your neck cracks by a simple turn or bend of the head, or your lower back by a twist, it is likely that the joints are actually hypermobile (moving too much). This means that you are self-manipulating and increasing the movement of joints that are already moving too much.

These joints may be moving too much in order to compensate for a lack of movement in other joints. If joints of the spine are restricted, other joints will attempt to make up for the lack of movement. These are the joints that will crack easily, and not the joints that are causing the problems.

Spinal pain is often due to this phenomenon. If a joint has to increase its movement due to a restriction somewhere else, more stress is placed upon the supporting ligaments. With this extra movement, the joint is more prone to sprain and resultant pain. Cracking these joints will give short term relief only. In order for sustained improvement the actual cause must be addressed. This is where a chiropractor comes into play. Chiropractors are trained to locate and treat the cause of your problems.