Can Sciatica Be Treated Without Surgery?

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Can Sciatica Be Treated Without Surgery?

Author: Randall Pruitt, DC, DACNB, DAAPM, MUAC, CES-NASM | Posted in Health & Fitness
by Randall Pruitt, DC, DACNB, DAAPM, MUAC, CES-NASM

The word sciatica is used by most people suffering leg pain. Many low back pain sufferers can also suffer from sciatica. Even though the term is used frequently many other conditions can be mistaken for sciatica.

The sciatic nerve is made of several spinal nerves combining together as they exit the spine. This nerve travels down the posterior thigh and splits into 2 nerves at the knee. Pain caused by sciatic irritation most often starts in the lower back and radiates down the back of the leg and into the calf or foot. Sensations may include burning, stabbing, shooting and numbness. If the pain is high enough difficulty with movement or straightening the leg is often seen.

The sciatic nerve is typically irritated from a herniated or bulging disc in the spine. This occurs when either by direct compression or chemical irritation from the inflammatory process.

The accurate diagnosis of sciatica is quite easy to make. A series of orthopedic and neurological tests are performed to determine the involvement of the sciatic nerve. If the diagnosis is made then I usually order an MRI to determine the cause.

Many different approaches are used to treat sciatica. In most cases the symptoms are the only thing addressed and not the actual cause. That is why in my opinion spinal decompression is the best choice, because it actually works to fix the underlying cause which is the disc. By reducing the pressure in the disc, the herniated material is drawn back into the disc and away from the nerve relieving the pain and soothing the irritated nerve.

Sciatica pain sufferers need to be aware of the consequences of not dealing with the actual cause of their pain. It is important to see a qualified professional to get at the root cause of your discomfort, especially if you have had sciatica before. Studies confirm that you are highly likely to experience another episode of sciatica if you only deal with the pain and not the reason behind it.
Dr. Steven Shoshany a Chiropractor in NYC specializes in delivering Non-surigcal spinal decompression.
Visit website at www.drshoshany.com