Sciatica

Sciatica is a very common complaint with 40% of Americans experiencing it at some point throughout their life. People that suffer from acute or chronic episodes of lower back pain are more susceptible to sciatica. There are a few different causes of sciatica that we are very experienced in treating. Dr. Curtis Reinkemeyer has helped many patients in Lees Summit, with sciatica get relief through chiropractic care. Let’s see what type of sciatica you may be experiencing.

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Sciatica may be a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating pain.

Common Symptoms:

  • Pain in the lower back that radiates into the buttocks and may continue further into the leg, usually one-sided

  • Usually on the posterior and lateral side of the leg being affected

  • Possible numbness in the affected leg

  • May feel like a quick jolt of pain like an electrical shock

  • May being leaning to one side, ‘antalgic posture’

  • May be sharp or a burning sensation

  • May stop at the buttocks or travel all the way down the leg

  • May have slight leg weakness

Sciatica Pain Relief, Starts Here.

Sciatica Originating From The Lumbar Spine

This pain may begin as the result of dysfunction of the lumbar spine or a mild to severe disc problem that has led to nerve root inflammation or irritation. This usually affects the lower lumbar nerve roots which feed into the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is just a bigger nerve that many lumbar and sacral nerves feed into.

Sciatica Originating From Sacral Torsion

This pain may begin as the result of sacral dysfunction where it joins the pelvic bones. The sacrum can become rotated and get stuck in that position. This can come from falling on your butt, stepping off a curb wrong, stepping in a hole, squatting with rotation, etc. Many different things can cause this to happen, but when it does it can reduce the space where the nerve comes out of the pelvic area and into the legs creating nerve irritation in this area resulting in sciatica type pain.

Sciatica Originating From Piriformis Muscle Entrapment

This pain can happen in about 10% of the population where the sciatic nerve runs through the muscle. This can be exacerbated from sacral torsion as well. When this happens the muscle becomes spastic causing the sciatic nerve to become irritated and inflamed. The muscle must be released of any adhesions and proper alignment of the sacrum must take place to get relief from this pain.

How can we help you?

  • We will take a thorough history, perform an examination and; if necessary, diagnostic imaging to complement a proper diagnosis

  • We will check the mobility of your joints in the area of concern for proper function

  • We will check for any soft tissue or muscular adhesions that may also be a contributing factor

  • We will then discuss the possible treatment options if you are a candidate for chiropractic care

The only way to know if you are a candidate for chiropractic care is to give us a call and schedule your consultation!