Do you suffer from Sciatica? If yes, do you know what this actually means?
By Dave Ballentine – Chiropractor at Wellbeing Chiropractic, Northampton.
Sciatica is a general term given to any sort of pain or irritation of the sciatic nerve. This nerve originates in the Lumbar Vertebrae (Lower Back) and runs through the Pelvis, into the Glutes, then down both Legs to the Feet. Sciatica can be caused by a number of issues not just injury or trauma.
Symptoms can typically include Pain, which can be mild => very painful, also there can be a sensation of numbness and/or tingling, which can travel from Lower Back down either Leg, this can also radiate to the feet. Sciatica can be associated with a varying degree of weakness in the Legs and/or Feet.
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms described above, then maybe you need to look at the root cause. Do you spend most of your day/evening sitting down, at work, commuting, or at home? Are you aware of your own posture? Do you sit up straight with your lower back slightly arched, head up, shoulders pulled back and feet flat on the floor? Not many people do, and tend to slouch as the day goes on, with the Pelvis tucked, Spine curved, Shoulders rounded and Head in a forward position, usually looking at a laptop/mobile phone for several hours per day…..does this sound familiar? By sitting like this you can place stress on the Neck and Shoulders, but also on the Spine and Pelvis, causing Hip Flexors to become tight, and the Glutes can become weak, which leads to a Pelvic imbalance which can result in pressure on the Sciatic nerve.
It is important to maintain good posture whenever possible, combined with regular exercise to maintain muscle strength and ensuring flexibility in the body by regular stretching, however just as important is to ensure the joints in your spine are moving freely and does not cause interference in the nervous system (Sciatica is a typical example) therefore if you are suffering from any of the symptoms described in this article, then why don’t you contact your local Chiropractor and see if they can help?
Speak to your chiropractor for more advice.
Wellbeing Chiropractic offers chiropractic services in the Northamptonshire area. Please contact us to book your first appointment, or alternatively, we can offer a Free Spine check.
Email us: [email protected] or visit our website: www.wellbeing-chiropractic.co.uk
Dave Ballentine M(Chiro)
