Chiropractic Glen Burnie, MD
As a Glen Burnie, MD chiropractic doctor can explain, sciatica is one of the most common forms of chronic pain among men and women alike. Sciatica might start as an irritating discomfort or ache in the lower back. However, if left untreated, it can become a disabling pain that radiates down the leg into the calf and the foot. A chiropractor Glen, Burnie, MD patients trust is available to help.
Many people can expect to develop sciatica at some point in their lives, and if it isn’t treated promptly and adequately, it can become a chronic and debilitating condition. The Glen Burnie, MD chiropractic team at Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic wants to help you understand this condition and inform you about how to avoid it or prevent it from returning.
What is sciatica?
Sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, occurs when compression or impingement is applied to the sciatic nerve, usually at the point where it’s rooted in the lumbar spine (lower backbone). This nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body. It extends from the lower back through both hips and buttocks, then down each leg. It helps provide feeling and control of the lower body.
Sciatica often becomes a source of radiating pain and ongoing discomfort. It can also cause sensations of numbness, tingling, or weakness anywhere along the nerve’s path. To provide long-term relief for sciatica symptoms, it’s crucial to identify and treat the underlying cause of the issue. If you suspect your lower back, hip, buttock, leg pain may be due to a sciatic nerve problem, you will most likely want to know what disorders cause or contribute to it. A doctor of chiropractic Glen Burnie, MD residents rely on can help make that determination.
What are the common causes of sciatica?
As a chiropractor Glen Burnie, MD families trust can explain, most sciatica cases result from lower back conditions characterized by irritation or pressure on the sciatic nerve root. Common causes of sciatic nerve impingement include:
► Disc problems in the lumbar spine
When an intervertebral disc in the lumbar spine slips or bulges outside its designated space in the spinal canal even slightly, it can cause sciatic nerve impairment. If left untreated, a bulging disc may herniate (rupture), and leak some of its soft interior gel cushioning, creating further issues. Herniated lumbar discs that affect the sciatic nerve may cause the feeling of burning pain from your lower back down the leg to the foot.
► Degenerative disc disease
Degenerative disc disease common age-related condition where the spinal discs become stiff, rigid, and less flexible from normal wear and tear. A degenerated lumbar disc may have tears in its tough, fibrous exterior that allow its gel-like cushioning fluid to leak out. Degenerating spinal discs can continue to progress in severity if left untreated.
► Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal space within the spine. It is typically caused by degenerative changes related to arthritis. When the spinal canal narrows in the lower back (lumbar stenosis), pressure may be placed on the sciatic nerve, leading to a variety of symptoms.
► Piriformis syndrome
The sciatic nerve passes through an opening in the pelvis. It’s well-protected within that opening, but it’s also situated directly under the piriformis muscle. When the piriformis cramps or spasms, it can irritate the sciatic nerve.
► Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
The sacroiliac (SI) joint connects the pelvic bone to the small triangular bone located at the base of the lumbar spine that is connected to the pelvis. If SI dysfunction irritates the surrounding nerves, it can lead to sciatica-like pain.
Sciatica responds favorably to chiropractic care
Fortunately, sciatica frequently responds well to treatment by a doctor of chiropractic Glen Burnie, MD patients as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. If you want to get to the root of your sciatica symptoms and find relief, contact the Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic today.