Those who suffer with sciatica describe this symptom as a mild to intense pain that is experienced mostly in one leg making standing or sitting nearly impossible.  Sciatica can be debilitating and there is no need to suffer when there are options to help.

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica could be a symptom of a pinched nerve affecting one or more of the lower spinal nerves. Conditions that trigger sciatica include:

• Piriformis syndrome develops when the piriformis muscle becomes tight or spasms. This puts pressure on and irritates the sciatic nerve.
• Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal putting pressure on the nerves.
• Spondylolisthesis is the slippage of a vertebra that becomes out of line with the vertebra above it creating a narrow opening through which the nerve exists.
• Herniated or slipped discs that put pressure on a nerve root are the most common cause of sciatica.
• Trauma to the lumbar area can cause sciatica. This can happen as a result of car accidents, sports injuries, or any other accident causing trauma to the lumbar.

Chiropractic Care

Sciatica can be treated with chiropractic care which is non-invasive and drug-free. The type of therapy will depend on the specific cause of sciatica. Treatment can include one or a combination of therapies that include spinal adjustments, spinal decompression, TENS, ice therapy, and ultrasound. What is also recommended is that while under the care of your chiropractor doing specific exercises designed to help with sciatica. It is essential that these are done ONLY under the advisement and care of your chiropractor.

Moves & Exercises to Ease Sciatica:

Low Lunges

Move your right leg back into a lunge, keeping the front left knee directly above the ankle. Lower right knee toward the ground as far as you are able, pause 15-30 seconds, and then slowly lift so right leg is straight then repeat three times. Switch legs so that the left knee is being lowered and straightened three times.

Frog

Get down on your hands and knees with palms on the floor and your knees on a mat. Slowly widen your knees until you feel the inner thighs stretching comfortably; be sure to keep the inside of each calf and foot in contact with the floor.  Keep your ankles in line with your knees then lower your body down to your forearms creating the frog position. Try to hold this stretch for 30 seconds then slowly release. Repeat two times.

Cross Legged Stretch

Lie down face-up on a flat surface and cross your left leg over your right leg. Raise both legs off the floor and reach for the outer ankles. Hug your legs toward your belly. Spread your toes making sure that your feet are flexed. Breathe slowly holding your legs for about 20 seconds. Slowly switch legs to the other side and repeat.

Hip Twist Stretch

Lie down on your back straightening your left leg out and bend your right knee until your right foot is on the floor next to your left knee. Using your left hand gently press the right knee down and towards floor on the left until you feel the buttocks and lower back slightly stretching. Your right hip and buttocks will come off the floor as you twist. Hold this stretch for 30 to 60 seconds then repeat on other side.

Back Extensions

On a flat surface lie on your stomach and prop yourself up on your elbows so that your spine is lengthened. Keep your neck long and be sure to keep the shoulders back. Arch your back up by pushing down on your hands. There should be a stretch felt in your stomach muscles as you arch. Hold for 10 – 15 seconds then return to the start position. Repeat three times.

No one has to suffer with sciatica while under the care of a chiropractor. There are solutions and exercises and Chiro-Med Rehab Centre can help you.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you manage sciatica. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.