A bulging or ruptured disc can irritate the sciatic nerve and cause pain, tingling, or numbness through the extensions of the nerve throughout the lower back and lower body. Some patients compare the pain to that of a burning sensation. A quick and easy spinal adjustment at HealthSource could potentially unlock your stiffened spine and joints, freeing you from pain.

Causes:
The source of sciatica is injury to the intervertebral disc in the lumbar spine. Most often occurring at the L4-5 and L5-S1 levels, herniation causes a pinching of the nerves that make up the sciatic nerve as it leaves the spinal cord. Occasionally, the sciatic nerve can be pinched leaving the gluteal region by a muscle called the ‘piriformis’. Proper diagnosis is important to prevent unnecessary treatment.

Risk Factors:
Prevention is the best method for preventing injury to the intervertebral discs. Risk factors include obesity, deconditioned muscles due to lack of exercise, and repetitive strain due to occupation. Education in lifting in a proper way is crucial to prevent injury.

Signs and Symptoms:
~ Pain into the buttocks groin, or into the leg
~ Numbness or weakness of the toes, feet, calves, or thigh
~ Bowel or Bladder Problems
~ Digestion Problems
~ Stiffness in the morning or evenings
~ Difficulty getting into or out of the car
~ Cramping of the Legs

Tests:
Orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic exams are performed for proper diagnosis. X-rays or MRI may need to be ordered after proper diagnosis has been found.

Treatment:
Treatment ALWAYS begins with conservative pain management at HealthSource of Portland through chiropractic and progressive rehab. Following acute pain relief, rehabilitation begins to support the spine in proper alignment and to strengthen weakened muscles. HealthSource combines massage, chiropractic, and rehabilitation to provide rapid relief and lasting results.
Allopathic medical treatment often includes pain medication and muscle relaxants. Surgical intervention is needed with mores severe problems.