Sciatica is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by pain, numbness, and tingling sensations that radiate from the lower back down to one or both legs. While sciatica can be caused by various factors, there are specific triggers that can worsen the symptoms. In this blog post, we will discuss the primary causes of sciatica and how physiotherapists and chiropractors can help in managing the condition, so you know what happens when you have sciatica.
Herniated Discs
The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc in the spine. The discs are cushion-like structures between each vertebra in your spine. When they rupture or bulge outwards, they can press against the nerves that run down your leg causing serious sciatic pain. A physiotherapist or chiropractor may use spinal manipulation or traction techniques to alleviate symptoms and improve mobility.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal which puts pressure on nerves in the lower back region leading to sciatic pain. This condition often results from aging and degenerative changes within the spine but may also occur due to an injury. Chiropractors or physiotherapists may recommend exercises to strengthen muscles around the spine and reduce inflammation.
Piriformis Syndrome
The piriformis muscle runs from your hip bone towards your tailbone at the base of your spine. When it tightens or spasms, it may compress the sciatic nerve causing pain in your buttocks, hips, and legs – this is known as piriformis syndrome. Treatment for this condition includes stretching exercises, massage, anti-inflammatory medication or injections.
Trauma
Physical trauma such as car accidents can cause sudden onset of sciatic symptoms due to compression of nerves around the spine. Chiropractors or physiotherapists may use a combination of massage, stretching, and range-of-motion exercises to improve mobility and reduce pain.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that occurs when the discs between the vertebrae in your spine break down over time. As these discs deteriorate, they become less effective at cushioning your spine leading to nerve compression and sciatic symptoms. Chiropractic care or physiotherapy can help manage DDD by focusing on improving spinal alignment, strengthening core muscles, and reducing inflammation.
Sciatica can be caused by various factors including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, trauma, and degenerative disc disease. While there are several triggers for this condition, chiropractic care or physiotherapy can help alleviate symptoms and improve mobility by using a combination of techniques such as spinal manipulation, traction techniques, exercises to strengthen muscles around the spine and reduce inflammation to treat sciatica effectively. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have any questions about how chiropractic care or physiotherapy can help manage and stop the progression of sciatica, so you don’t have to live with sciatica, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today!
