It is estimated that 5 percent of people with low back pain also have sciatica. Sitting for long periods, walking, or climbing stairs can all recreate the sciatic pain. What many people don't know is that while sciatica always involves one leg, it can present in a few different ways. (1)
- Achy sensation
-Pins and needles
- Shooting, searing pain
Standing and stretching temporarily improve the sciatic symptoms. Traditional management of sciatica involves anti-inflammatories, corticosteroid injections, and/or surgery. These interventions may work to manage the symptoms of back pain, but they do not address the underlying cause of the condition.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and low back pain, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
How is my sciatica related to my neck?
Your spinal cord sends signals to and from your brain. Your nerves branch off of your brain and spinal cord. Your spine is designed to protect your vital spinal cord. When the top bone in your spine (atlas) is out of alignment, it creates spinal cord tension. This tension leads to the signals becoming distorted. Improper signals can lead to postural imbalance, pain, and muscle spasms. One of the ways an atlas misalignment can create sciatica is through postural imbalance. Muscle tension can increase on one side of the body, causing one hip to be higher than the other. This causes one leg to be slightly shorter than the other.
Dr. Gottlieb is trained in QSM3 and NUCCA, two precise chiropractic techniques. Through the use of these approaches, he is able to gently realign the atlas, reducing pressure within the spinal cord. This leads to proper signals being sent to and from the brain, potentially creating balanced posture. Less muscle tension leads to even hips, possibly reducing sciatica symptoms.
Alibhoy described a case study of a 45-year-old woman who experienced sciatica down both legs, along with other health issues. After approximately one month of specific atlas chiropractic care, her left leg sciatica resolved. Her right leg sciatica had improved 60%. After six months of care, her right leg sciatica had decreased 98%. (2)
If you are experiencing sciatica and would like more information on how QSM3 and NUCCA can help, give Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Sacramento a call at (916) 965-7155.
References
- Cianflocco A. Low Back Pain - Bone, Joint, and Muscle Disorders [Internet]. Merck Manuals Consumer Version. 2015 [cited 7 December 2015]. Available from: http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/bone,-joint,-and-muscle-disorders/low-back-and-neck-pain/low-back-pain
- Alibhoy N. Resolution of Fibromyalgia Following Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care: A Case Study. J Upper Cerv Chiro Res [Internet]. 2011 [cited 8 December 2015];2011(June):39-44. Available from: http://www.mccoypress.net/juccr/docs/2011-1059_fibromyalgia.pdf
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Gottlieb, call 916-655-0569, or just click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
