Your Broomfield Chiropractor Dr. Brad Richardson has successfully treated patients suffering from sciatic nerve pain for over 27 years.

What is Sciatica? Did you know that your sciatic nerve is the longest in the body?

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve originates from the lower back, extends through the buttocks, and branches down each leg. Sciatica will affect one side of the body and can cause varying degrees of discomfort, ranging from mild to severe. Sufferers complain that some days their left side hurts and the following week the pain radiates down the right side.

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Signs and Symptoms of Sciatica

The most common symptom of sciatica is a sharp, shooting pain that travels from the lower back or buttocks down the back of the leg. Other symptoms may include:

Pain: The pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation. It may be constant or intermittent and can worsen with certain movements, such as sitting or standing for long periods, bending, or coughing, or even sitting down to have a bowel movement.
Numbness or Tingling: Some individuals with sciatica may experience numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation in the leg or foot.
Weakness: Weakness in the affected leg or foot may occur, making it difficult to move or bear weight.
Difficulty moving and walking, or bending down: Sciatica can lead to difficulty walking, particularly if the pain is severe.
Radiating Pain: The pain may radiate from the lower back or buttocks down the back of the leg, often following the path of the sciatic nerve. It can extend as far as the toes.

Sciatica is commonly caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. This compression can occur due to various factors, including:

Herniated Disc: A herniated or bulging disc in the spine can press against the sciatic nerve, causing pain and other symptoms.
Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the nerve roots, including the sciatic nerve.
Degenerative Disc Disease: Wear and tear on the spinal discs can lead to changes in the spine that contribute to sciatica.
Piriformis Syndrome: The piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks, can sometimes irritate or compress the sciatic nerve, leading to symptoms similar to sciatica.

Spondylolisthesis: This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another, potentially compressing the nerve roots.

It can also be caused by misalignment of the lower vertebrae.

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What every day occurrences or activities can cause sciatic nerve pain?

Poor Posture: Sitting or standing in a way that puts pressure on the lower back and buttocks can worsen sciatica symptoms. Slouching or sitting for long periods without proper support can exacerbate nerve compression.
Lifting Heavy Objects Incorrectly: Lifting heavy objects with improper form can strain the muscles and increase pressure on the spine, aggravating sciatica. It's important to bend your knees and lift with your legs rather than your back.
Prolonged Sitting: Remaining seated for extended periods, especially in positions that put pressure on the lower back, can aggravate sciatica. It's essential to take regular breaks and stretch if you have a desk job or need to sit for long periods.
Sudden Movements or Twisting: Abrupt movements or twisting of the spine can exacerbate sciatica symptoms by further compressing the nerve. It's important to move slowly and avoid sudden jerks, especially if you're already experiencing pain. Something as simple as bending over to pick up a dropped object, pulling a door handle, or emptying the dishwasher, can flare sciatica.
High-Impact Activities: Activities that involve high-impact movements, such as running or jumping, can aggravate sciatica by jarring the spine and increasing pressure on the nerves. Dr. Brad Richardson sees many “CrossFit” workout injuries causing debilitating sciatica.
Prolonged Standing: Standing for long periods without rest can also worsen sciatica symptoms, as it can lead to muscle fatigue and increased pressure on the lower back.
Obesity: Excess body weight can increase pressure on the spine and exacerbate sciatica symptoms. Losing weight through a combination of diet and exercise can help alleviate this pressure.
Inactivity: Lack of physical activity can weaken the muscles supporting the spine and lead to increased stiffness, which can worsen sciatica symptoms. Regular exercise that strengthens the core and improves flexibility is important for managing sciatica.
Inappropriate Footwear: Wearing shoes with inadequate support or high heels can alter your posture and increase strain on your lower back, worsening sciatica symptoms.
Stress: Emotional stress can cause muscle tension, particularly in the lower back and buttocks, which can exacerbate sciatica symptoms.

For all of the reasons mentioned above, this is why maintaining your health and posture, and proper alignment of the spine can help avoid sciatic nerve pain.

At Summit Medical Care Center, Dr. Richardson will perform a careful evaluation to determine your source of pain. If he determines your sciatic nerve is flared and the cause of the radiating pain and debilitation, he can help you using the following modalities:

Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments will realign the spine to alleviate nerve pressure
Class IV Medical Laser Therapy: More therapeutic than cold laser, our lasers penetrate deeper to reduce pain, scar tissue and inflammation. This is a non-invasive treatment that only takes moments and feels like a warm stone massage.
Decompression Therapy: Decompressing your lumbar spine on a specific decompression table is also non-invasive and creates space between the vertebrae alleviating nerve pressure from protruding discs.
Custom fit orthotics/heel lifts: Proper footwear is a must for maintaining proper low back alignment.
Muscle Stim Therapy: This relaxing, gentle; yet very effective modality stimulates muscles and nerves to promote healing anywhere there is discomfort.
Massage Therapy
Exercise/Physical Therapy

Don’t live another day in debilitating sciatic nerve pain! Call us today to schedule so you can live pain-free and avoid flare ups.

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