A Real pain in the butt
“I May Have Sciatica but Sciatica does not have me!”
Sciatica is one of the most common conditions we see in clinic and it can be a real pain in the butt!. In fact, 80% of people at some stage in their lives experience back pain, with approximately 9% experiencing it at any given moment. Navigating through sciatica and other back pain can be daunting due to it’s multifaceted nature. That is why we use a multifaceted approach to treat your symptoms allowing you to navigate your pain with ease.
Sciatica has emerged as a well-known term both in medical circles and among the general public when discussing low back pain. Essentially, sciatica refers to the pain or irritation along the pathway of the sciatic nerve, typically manifesting down one leg. As the largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve extends from the spinal cord through the buttock and down the leg, branching out into the calf and foot.
What are the symptoms?
The irritation of the sciatic nerve commonly occurs in three primary regions: the low back, buttock, and back of the thigh. Those affected often experience symptoms such as:
- Pain or irritation along the low back, buttock, or thigh.
- Numbness and tingling sensations down the leg.
- Increased pain with sitting, standing, or walking.
The root causes:
- Disc Herniation,
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Glute Minimus Referred pain (pseudo sciatica)
- Spinal Stenosis
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Spondylolisthesis
Risk Factors for Sciatica:
- Aging (which can cause changes in the spine, like bone spurs or herniated disks)
- Diabetes
- Having a bigger body size
- Being sedentary
- Having weak core muscles (your glutes, abs, and back)
- Wearing high heels all the time
- Sleeping on a mattress that is too hard or too soft
- Smoking
- Your job, if it involves sitting or driving for long periods of time, twisting your back, or carrying heavy things
- History of back pain or trauma
- Repetitive movements from manual labor or sports.
Addressing Sciatica:
Dealing with sciatica can be intimidating, but having proper guidance is crucial. Our therapists at Optimal Movement specialize in identifying the root causes of your pain and tailoring treatments to meet your specific needs.
Comprehensive Assessment:
At Optimal Movement our practitioners work together to pinpoint the cause of your back pain and create the proper plan to help alleviate your symptoms. This comprehensive approach ensures no aspect of your pain or movement issues go unnoticed, providing clarity and direction towards your recovery.
Hands-on Therapy:
Sciatica often involves restrictions in the movement of the sciatic nerve within the body, potentially resulting from structures pinching or impeding its mobility, leading to irritation and pain. Utilizing hands-on techniques such as chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, muscle mobilizations, cupping therapy, acupuncture, dry needling, and shockwave therapy can offer relief and enhance mobility.
Exercise Rehabilitation:
Sciatica can significantly limit your mobility, but evidence suggests that specific exercises and movements can help restore overall function. Collaborating with a healthcare professional is crucial to ensure safe progression in your mobility journey. Our chiropractor, Dr. Kyler, will guide you through exercises tailored to your needs, including sciatic nerve sliders and tensioners, mobility drills, and strength training, enabling you to resume your daily activities and pursue your passions without the hindrance of sciatica.
If you are seeking a safe drug free alternative to help you with your pain look no further. At Optimal Movement in Rochester, Minnesota we are here to help you live a life without limits. Book an appointment with one of our skilled practitioners today!
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