Something is terribly wrong with your leg -- or so it seems. Shooting pains and other odd sensations make sitting down or using your leg an experience best avoided, while weakness in the leg muscles makes you fear for your balance and stability. But these alarming symptoms may have a simple explanation, one that relates to your spine instead of the affected limb. Sciatica is a common (and irritating) chronic issue involving pinched nerve tissue. Thankfully, you can get the sciatica treatment you need at Total Wellness Center in Aurora CO.
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body; it runs from the lower back all the way through the buttock, hip, and leg. All of those smaller nerves in your lower limbs are branches of your two sciatic nerves. The problem with this arrangement is that anything that cuts off the flow of nerve signals at a given point can affect the structures below that level. When that happens, you have the syndrome known as sciatica.
While sciatica can occur as the result of traumatic injury to the sciatic nerve itself, it most commonly starts in the nerve roots that anchor the sciatic nerve to the spinal cord. These nerve roots exist in the spinal column through narrow spaces between lumbar and sacral vertebrae. Compression sciatic nerve roots can send faulty nerve signals all the way through the nerve. That's why you're experiencing leg symptoms when, in fact, your leg is physically fine. Sciatica symptoms may include:
Sciatica is often associated with age-related changes in posture and spinal structure, starting in your thirties and progressing through middle age. Spinal stenosis, bone spurs, shifting vertebrae (spondylolisthesis) or bulging/herniated discs can press against the nerve roots, limiting their ability to relay motor and sensory data correctly. But a spinal misalignment at any age can bring on bouts of sciatica. An acute injury that dislocates spinal structures can also cause a sudden sciatica issue.
One of the more frustrating things about sciatica is its tendency to come and go. You might think that you're finally free of your symptoms, only to have them revisit you time after time. Until the underlying issues that created that sciatica is properly addressed, you can't expect your sciatica to completely resolve itself.
Since sciatica is usually a spinal issue, it only makes sense that your sciatica doctor should be a specialist in spinal and musculoskeletal problems. Our chiropractor at Total Wellness Center, Dr. Geersen, knows how to evaluate your spinal alignment and locate the exact location and cause of your nerve impingement. From there, we can prescribe non-surgical solutions to relieve that compression and banish your sciatica symptoms.
Chiropractic adjustments can correct alignment problems that put pressure on nerve tissue. Our chiropractic methods include the low-force, instrument-assisted Activator Technique, which is completely safe, highly effective, and very easy on the body. We can also advise you on how to strengthen your spinal support or rehabilitate an acute injury, along with lifestyle counseling and other wellness guidance to help you maintain a healthier spine and nervous system going forward.
Are you ready to get your leg back into a comfortable working order again? Start by getting your spine fixed at Total Wellness Center. Call our Aurora clinic at (303) 627-7995 for an appointment so we can study your condition and prescribe a personalized sciatica treatment plan!