Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain, numbness and tingling that affects the lower back, hip and legs and is most often caused by compression of spinal nerve roots in the lower back. Anyone who has experienced it once has experienced it enough- the limited range of motion, dull achy feelings and shooting pains can make it difficult to even stand up. It’s easy to understand why sciatica is so widespread; the sciatic nerve is the longest in the human body, exiting from the spinal column in the lower back, running through the buttocks and down the leg. This being the case, there are many factors that can create an irritation for this nerve and leave you with sciatic nerve pain. 

A herniated disc creates pain because it effectively bulges out of position and pressurizes the nearby nerve. If this happens to be the sciatic nerve, it creates dysfunction in the lower body which can be scary at first, but is quite common. Fortunately, chiropractic is a very effective method for responding to sciatica; two particularly effective modalities are spinal adjustment and traction which seek to correct any nerve irritation, regulate the nervous system and ease the discomfort associated with compression of a nerve. Through spinal decompression therapy, we use a table to gently stretch the spine and ease the pain, while simultaneously improving range of motion and fighting the natural build up of inflammation. 

Another factor that can create sciatic type pain is piriformis syndrome, caused by tightness or strain of the piriformis, a muscle that runs underneath the glutes. Trigger point therapy is a direct and targeted method that frees up the area from tension and improves sciatica symptoms. Don’t let the scourge of sciatica linger in your life any longer- call our office in Bakersfield to schedule an appointment today!

Dr. Jeff Haynes, D.C.