Many of us will suffer the pain of Sciatica at some time in our lives and the frequently associated lower back pain is one of the conditions most often seen by Chiropractors. In fact, sciatica is not a single condition but the symptom of one of a number of conditions. Establishing the exact underlying cause is vital for the appropriate treatment plan to be given.

Doctor of Chiropractic, Rachael Veronesi and Daniel Ryken always conducts a comprehensive patient assessment to identify the root cause of the problem at NeuroBalance Chiropractic. The clinic is located at Brookvale on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Chiropractic can bring faster, longer lasting relief from the painful symptoms of Sciatica for the majority of patients. Occasionally, symptoms result from problems not suitable for treatment by a Chiropractor – if so, you will be referred to a health care provider in the appropriate specialty. Find out if the gentle effective Chiropractic approach is the right choice for you by calling NeuroBalance Chiropractic to arrange a consultation on (02) 9938 5456.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Chiropractor Dr Rachael Veronesi and Dr Daniel Ryken see many patients who come in with low back pain and sciatica. Many have already tried anti inflammatory medications without seeing significant improvement. Sometimes the discomfort can be so debilitating that it makes normal life (and work) very difficult. Symptoms range in severity from person to person and depending on the cause may include:

• Leg pain ranging from a sensation like cramp, to shooting pains that can be excruciating;
• Pain that worsens on sitting, sneezing or coughing;
• Pain that comes on quite suddenly or gradually worsens;
• Pain accompanied by feelings of numbness, pins and needles, burning sensations and weakness in the affected area;
• Inability to bend the knee or move the foot or toes; (although this last set of symptoms is not typical)

What Causes Sciatica?

The most common cause is a herniated disc. This causes pressure on the nerve and this compression, or ‘pinching’ gives rise to the pain in the lower back and possibly referring pain or numbness down the back of the leg.

Vertebral subluxations occur when one or more of the vertebrae that make up the spinal column have problems with their function and alignment. Because the nerves pass between vertebrae as they leave the spinal column, any dysfunction at the lumbar joint can cause stretch and irritation of these nerves, interfere with their normal function and the signals they carry.

Piriformis syndrome is another quite common cause of sciatica. The piriformis muscle, situated in the buttocks, is important because it is involved in just about every movement we do with our legs. If the muscle is ‘tight’ or goes into spasm, it can compress the Sciatic nerve.

Sciatic symptoms with a root cause of Piriformis syndrome usually begin with pain in the buttocks plus the pins and needles, tingling and/or numbness associated with a trapped or compressed nerve. It can come on quite suddenly when sitting for long periods or when running or climbing up stairs. It is often seen (and successfully treated) by Chiropractors.

Chiropractic is based on the fundamental principle that if there is restriction within the spinal column, pain and impaired function will result. The purpose of all Chiropractic treatments is to provide safe, non-invasive, drug-free intervention to restore balance and to help the body to heal itself. Call Neurobalance Chiropractic in Brookvale today on (02) 9938 5456 as the solution to your Sciatic problem could be just a phone call away.