Back Pain and Sciatica

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is one of the most common debilitating back problems there is. It is named after the nerve that is affected, the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the thickest nerve in the body. It exits the spine in the lowback, passes through the pelvis, and runs down the back of the thigh. Branches of the sciatic nerve continue all the way to the pinky toe. Someone diagnosed with sciatica may experience slight symptoms like a tightness in the butt or numbness in the toes or may have severe pains making it impossible to walk. In more severe cases, some of the muscles in the legs get weak. It may be difficult to stand on the toes on the involved side because of this weakness.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is usually caused by a vertebral subluxation complex. The vertebral subluxation complex involves one or more joints in the spine and involves them losing normal function and mobility. This is referred to as "kinesiopathology". A vertebral subluxaton complex that causes sciatica probably also involves some degree of muscle spasms. A tight or spasmotic piriformis muscle can cause sciatica near the sciatic notch. This component of the vertebral subluxaton complex is referred to as "myopathology". The restricted joints of the spine will cause the tissues in the area to change to some extent. They may become edematous early on and eventually become fibrotic and dehydrated. These changes in the tissue are referred to as "histopathology". These changes can cause tension or stress on the nerve causing the nerve to work less than it is supposed to. This might be realized by pain, lack of sensation (numbness), or muscle weakness. This is called neuropathology. Because nerves go to body parts, the part they go to works less then 100%. This is known as pathophysiology.

How is Sciatica Cured?

If the vertebral subluxation complex (VSC) is the cause (and it usually is), then correction of the VSC is the cure. Chiropractors use the chiropractic "adjustment" to restore posture and function to the spine. Such a correction is usually supported with exercises. Such exercises are usually designed to improve flexibility and range of motion and encourage healing to the surrounding tissues.

Agape Chiropractic
Chiropractor in Pompano Beach
500 S. Cypress Road #4
Pompano Beach, Florida 33060
(954) 545-9750

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