What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a common lower back condition that causes pain and discomfort for millions of people worldwide. Triggered by irritation to the sciatic nerve, sciatica can range from mild to completely debilitating pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. For some individuals, this condition will resolve itself with time and rest. However, if sciatica continues to worsen over time, it could indicate a more serious issue in the upper cervical spine.
Signs and Symptoms of Sciatica
Patients who suffer from sciatica will often complain of a burning, shooting pain deep in their buttocks and in the lower back. Other symptoms of sciatica may include radiating pain in the legs or feet, numb extremities, difficulty walking, tingling in the limbs or buttocks, and pain when seated for long periods of time.
This condition can be triggered by any number of things, but frequently comes about due to a bulging/misaligned disc or vertebral misalignments in the spinal column — often these kinds of injuries occur due to incorrectly lifting heavy objects or other impact injuries through sporting.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Sciatica
The upper cervical spine is surrounded by an extensive network of nerves, some of which lead into and communicate with the sciatic nerve. While we may not immediately notice a minor misalignment in the upper cervical spine, these kinds of injuries often manifest in conditions like sciatica.
If misaligned vertebrae compress or pinch these nerves, it can lead to a cascade of nerve flow disruptions and misfires around the sciatic nerve, potentially triggering a range of sciatica symptoms.
How Our Upper Cervical Treatment Works for Sciatica
Dr. Gordon Elder is an expert in chiropractic treatment known as the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. Blair's chiropractic treatment focuses on restoring function to the upper cervical spine and re-engaging the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
When it comes to sciatica, Dr. Elder employs a two-step approach for locating and healing misalignments. First, Dr. Elder will attend a 25–30-minute screening appointment to determine whether a vertebral misalignment is causing the patient’s sciatica. Advanced 3-D imaging diagnostic techniques will likely be used to pinpoint the exact location of any misalignments in the upper cervical spine. Following this, you’ll receive a brief report on the findings of the screening process. Of course, during this time you’ll have an opportunity to ask Dr. Elder any questions about your spinal health.
Next, Dr. Elder will perform a series of gentle, low-force adjustments to reposition any misaligned vertebrae and alleviate the build-up of pressure around the sciatic nerve. Following the first adjustment, patients are encouraged to return for regular appointments for at least 3 months to ensure their adjustments are set. Over the course of 3 to 5 months, most patients average between 10 to 15 appointments with Dr. Elder.
If sciatica is preventing you from enjoying your everyday life, get in touch to speak with Dr. Elder about Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care. Located in Lubbock, Texas, Blair Chiropractic Clinic also services Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.