Sciatica.
Sciatica which is characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is large and longest nerve in the human body and it is as thick as a finger where it exits in the lower spine. It then descends from the lower back through the hip and buttock and down the leg where it divides into two at the knee.
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
The pain from sciatica is felt along the sciatic nerve and into the buttock, with pain that descends down the back of the leg, and on occasions into the feet or foot. The pain can be accompanied by tingling, pins and needles, or numbness, and sometimes by muscular weakness in the leg or legs.
Sciatica is normally only felt in one leg at a time. Sometimes, a pain like an electric shock can be felt along the nerve. The pain will range from no more than a ache to severe or chronic pain. Sciatica pain is often felt when sneezing, coughing, going to the toilet, or when sitting,
In case of loss of bladder or bowels control or severe pain, weakness of the muscles of the legs or numbness in the saddle area, seek medical attention immediately.
What is the cause of the pain?
Herniated disc.
One of the most common causes of sciatica is a herniated disc. To herniate means to bulge or stick out. Intervertebral discs are the soft disks that form a cushion between the vertebrae of the spine. The discs have a though outer layer made of cartilage, with a soft gelatinous centre that acts as a shock absorber. If the outer layer of the disc becomes weak through wear and tear, age or injury, the soft gelatinous centre can bulge out this is what’s known as a herniated or ruptured disc. Should any of the 5 pairs of nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve become compressed in the spine by a ruptured disc it can cause pain down the sciatic nerve. Not only does a herniated disc presses on the nerve root, but fluid leaking from the soft centre of the disc will irritate the nerve root, results inflammation.
Other, less common, causes of sciatica include:
Lumbar spinal stenosis, i.e. narrowing of the spinal canal due to anatomical variations, thickening of the yellow ligament, tumors of the spinal cord or boe tumors, osteophytes or bone sours due to degenerative changes.
Piriformis syndrome, i.e. spasm of the piriformis muscle resulting in direct compression of the sciatic nerve s it passes through the buttock.
Pregnancy when the centre of gravity shifts forward causing the excessive stress on the disc and tightening of the piriformis muscle.
Spondylolisthesis, i.e. shift of one vertebra forward I relation to another causing narrowing of spinal canal.
Sciatica can be caused by tumours impinging on the spinal cord or the nerve roots. Severe back pain extending to the hips and feet, loss of bladder or bowel control and muscle weakness.
Cold laser Therapy/Treatment
The lasers used at Central Chiropractic Clinic are certified as Cold Laser. For the past 30 years the technology of Cold Laser Therapy (also known as Low Level Laser Therapy) has been formally accepted in North America and in many other parts of the world such as Europe, Russia and Japan. In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from low level laser therapy. It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.
Cold Laser Therapy uses laser light energy to stimulate cells to function optimally. In the body, light sensitive chromophores and other elements within the cell absorb energy, initiating a series of important photochemical changes such as increased production of ATP. The mitochondria and Kreb’s Cycle stimulation initiates the production of ATP, providing the cell with the extra energy needed to accelerate the healing process and positively influence pain. These activities can occur in all types of cells and includes ligament, nerves, cartilage and muscle.
Low Level Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a Handheld, non-invasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in the treatment of conditions such as;
Back and Lower Back Pain. Slipped disc, Prolapsed disc, Herniated disc, Trapped nerves. Sacroiliac Joint.
Athletic and Sports Injuries
Lower Back Pain
Knee and Foot Pain
Shoulder Injury
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Arthritic Pain relief
Muscle Spasm
Relief of Muscle and Joint Pain
Skin infections
Wound Management including Skin Ulcers, Pressure Sores and Burns
Soft Tissue Injuries including Sprains and Strains, Tendonitis and Haematomas
Joint Disorders including Arthritic pain relief and Tenosynovitis
Chronic pain such as Trigeminal Neuralgia and Chronic Neck and Back pain.
For further in-depth information please go to the left top corner under “pain” or “conditions” and for Cold laser therapy, please go to “Treatments,” cold laser therapy is very effective for both pain relief and healing .
