Chicago Sciatica Treatment

Sciatica is a condition that is characterized by pain in the low back or buttock region that travels down into one or both of the legs. The pain intensity and frequency can vary in patients suffering from sciatica. Pain is often described as sharp, electric shocks. Burning, numbness and tingling sensations are also often associated with sciatica.

Sciatica is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve which is actually the longest and widest nerve in the human body. It supplies almost all of the skin of the leg, the muscles in the back of the thigh, as well as those of the leg and foot. Sciatica is often caused by misaligned lumbar (low back) vertebra, herniated disc(s), pregnancy and childbirth. A condition known as piriformis syndrome is an extremely common cause of sciatica. The piriformis is a muscle that is located in the lower back and connects to the upper part of the thigh. The sciatic nerve runs underneath the piriformis muscle; therefore, any type of piriformis muscle injury or tightness can lead to compression of the sciatic nerve.

It is of utmost importance to determine what the actual cause of the sciatica is so that the underlying cause can be addressed. Chiropractic treatment is extremely beneficial in relieving the symptoms associated with sciatica. The Spine Journal recently published a study concerning the effectiveness of chiropractic care in patients with acute back pain and sciatica. The study was a double blinded, randomized control trial involving 102 patients with sciatica symptoms. The patients were divided into two groups. One group received chiropractic manipulation 5 days per week, while the other group received “sham” (fake) adjustments. The results demonstrated that those receiving the actual chiropractic care improved much more than those with the sham adjustments. Of those receiving chiropractic adjustments, 55% stated that their pain was completely gone, while only 20% of those receiving the sham adjustments stated that their pain was completely gone. 

The researchers concluded that “active manipulations have more effect than simulated manipulations on pain relief for acute back pain and sciatica.¹”

If you, or someone you know, are experiencing symptoms like those described above come and see us at Irving Park Chiropractic Center. Dr. Lazarowich will perform a detailed history and physical examination on you so that the best treatment can be implemented.

¹ Santilli, Valter, Ettore Beghi, and Stefano Finucci. "Chiropractic Manipulation in the Treatment of Acute Back Pain and Sciatica with Disc Protrusion: a Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial of Active and Simulated Spinal Manipulations." The Spine Journal 6.2 (March, 2006): 131-37.

Stretches to Improve Poor Posture

Poor posture is a very common problem and is becoming more and more common due to the high number of people with computer based jobs. People spend a large portion of their day sitting at a desk or in a car which largely affects our posture. Below are five simple stretches that should be performed daily to avoid pain and discomfort and to help prevent poor posture.

1)     Log Stretch: use a towel and roll It up lengthwise into the shape of a log. Lay the rolled up towel on the floor. Now lay on the towel with the top of the “log” resting between your shoulder blades and the bottom of the “log” should be just above your bottom. Keep your legs bent while stretching your arms out to the side with your palms facing upwards. Hold this position for 30-60 seconds. Return to neutral and repeat two more times. 

2)     Chest stretch: stand straight with your legs shoulder width apart and your head straight ahead. Reach your hands behind your back and interlock your fingers. Pull back your shoulders and raise your clasped hands away from your back until you feel the stretch in your chest. Hold this position for 30 seconds and then return to neutral. Repeat two more times. 

3)     Wall stretch: stand with your back against a wall and your feet about two feet in front of you. Lean back against the wall. Try to touch your shoulders, back, and bottom to the wall simultaneously before slowly tilting your head back to touch the wall as well. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Return to neutral and repeat two more times. 

4)     Hip Flexor Stretch: Stand straight with your hands on your hips. Step forward with your right foot and slowly bend both knees while keeping your back straight. You should feel a stretch in the front of your hip after a few seconds. Hold for 5-10 seconds and then return to neutral. Repeat on the left side. Perform this exercise a total of three times on each side.

 

5)     Upward Pelvic Thrust: lie on your back with your legs together and your knees bent to 90 degrees. Keep your arms at your sides and palms downward. Slowly raise your bottom up off the floor until you are forming a straight line with your body from your shoulders down to your knees. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds and then return to neutral. Repeat two more times. 

 

If you are experiencing back pain, we can help. Irving Park Chiropractic is a top chiropractor in Chicago that has been providing quality service to the community for over a decade.

As a member of both the Illinois Chiropractic Society and American Chiropractic Association, we are trained in the latest healing techniques and treatment methods. Call Irving Park Chiropractic today at (773)880-0880 or schedule an appointment online, to get out of pain and back to what you love doing, faster!