By Dr. Lisa Silva

Today’s topic is an all too common condition called sciatica. Sciatica is a painful inflammation of the sciatic nerve. This nerve composes the longest nerve pathway of the body, extending from the lumbo-sacral plexus (the low back area) through the huge muscles of the buttocks, down the thighs into the lower legs, feet and toes. Inflammation may occur at any point of the nerve pathway in either or both legs.

Sciatica is usually experienced as a tearing or sharp pain. Burning sensations, areas of numbness, loss of reflexes, or weakness of the leg or foot can accompany the pain. In many cases, the sciatica pain is experienced as fairly constant with occasional periods of time when the pain lets up.

There are a wide variety of causes of sciatica. The most common cause is a subluxation of the lumbar area of the spine. This spinal misalignment places pressure on the sciatic nerve, decreasing the energy flow to the areas served by the nerve. As a result, the nerve eventually becomes inflamed. Sciatica can also be caused by prolonged constipation, a herniated disc, a tumor, vitamin deficiencies or arthritis.

Conventional medical treatment is often ineffective with sciatica. Pain-killing drugs usually have only a temporary effect. Surgery is also rarely helpful in the long-term. Chiropractic care is often the treatment of choice since it corrects the cause of the condition rather than treating the symptom of pain; however most people will use this method of treatment as a last resort due to fear or a lack of knowledge about chiropractic.

	If you or someone you know suffers from these particular symptoms please feel free to stop by the office and ask questions or request information. Above all things we are here to serve. Questions may be directed to Dr. Lisa Silva, @ (864) 292-9853, Abundant Life Chiropractic. http://findabundantlife.com
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