Understanding Sciatica at Total Health Chiropractic
Sciatica is a condition that can cause significant discomfort and pain. It is caused by irritation or pressure on the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the hips, and down each leg. This nerve plays a crucial role in connecting the spinal cord with the lower extremities, and when it is compromised, it can lead to a range of symptoms, including sharp pain, tingling, and numbness in the legs.
At Total Health Chiropractic, we’re proud to offer a variety of natural techniques to help you overcome the condition.
Causes of Sciatica
Spinal Dysfunction
One common cause of sciatica is poor spinal movement and compensation patterns in the lower back. These can lead to misalignment (also known as subluxations) or pinching of the sciatic nerve. Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper motion in the spine, which can help restore function and decrease pressure.
Muscle Compression
Tight or overworked muscles, particularly the piriformis muscle, can also compress the sciatic nerve as it passes through the hips. Chiropractic adjustments can help relax these tight muscles and restore the connection between the brain and the muscles providing relief from sciatica symptoms.
How Chiropractic Could Help
Adjustments
At Total Health Chiropractic, we utilise chiropractic adjustments of the lower back region, including the sacrum. These adjustments aim to restore proper motion of the spinal segments, reducing the pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Soft Tissue Work
Our sessions my include soft tissue work on tight muscles, such as the piriformis, which may be compressing the sciatic nerve. This approach helps to relax and lengthen these muscles, further relieving nerve compression.
Stretching and Flexibility Exercises
We recommend stretching and flexibility exercises for the piriformis and other hip muscles to keep them loose and prevent nerve impingement. Keeping active muscles flexible is a natural way to help manage and prevent sciatica.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is another technique we offer that can help relax structures like the dura mater surrounding the spinal cord. This can relieve nerve tension and contribute to reducing sciatica symptoms.
Holistic Approach to Sciatica
Lifestyle and Ergonomics
In addition to physical care, we provide lifestyle advice around posture, ergonomics, and stress management. Physical, chemical and emotional stress can impact spinal health and exacerbate sciatica symptoms, so addressing these factors is an integral part of our holistic approach to wellness.
Hope and Healing at Total Health Chiropractic
If you are suffering from sciatica, don’t wait any longer to get help. Contact us at Total Health Chiropractic to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards healing and a pain-free life.
