The Sciatic Nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It originates in the lower lumbar vertebrae and travel through the buttock, down the leg, to the foot. Generally, the sciatica pain begins when the nerve becomes irritated by repetitive bending, prolonged sitting or driving, and many of your everyday activities such as gardening, golfing or running. When it exits the vertebrae, the sciatic nerve transverses the buttocks and exits under the piriformis muscle which sits right below the gluteal muscles. Either one of these muscles can irritate the nerve due to imbalances, weakness, and/or hypertonicity. As a result, the nerve can become compressed, causing sciatica symptoms.
Most commonly, sciatica is caused by a herniated disc from the 4th or 5th lumbar, once again compressing the sciatic nerve. Less common causes are synovial cysts. When addressing the solutions for sciatica pain it is important to identify the underlying cause. In our clinic, we provide a comprehensive orthopedic and neurological evaluation to help us determine the exact level of compression and the severity of the sciatica. Often times, if a patient does not have an MRI, we will recommend that he/she get one so we can determine if the solution is non-surgical.
We are firm believers in conservative care to remedy a problem when indicated. Of course, there are a few patients that we have seen over the years, who, according to our clinical judgement, would not benefit from conservative care.
incorporates gentle exercise designed to relax and stretch the muscles, decrease the compression on the sciatic nerve root, and stabilize and strengthen the lower back muscles. This must be done in a precise manner to avoid flare-ups of the sciatic nerve.
Our success rate with even the most complicated cases of sciatica is due to our comprehensive approach. The non-surgical decompression table, DRX9000 and our nerve regeneration therapy in our opinion is more effective and definitely safer than surgery.
This advanced approach towards sciatica pain will assist our patients to restore their life and begin to partake in the activities that they once enjoyed.
Gentle exercise is the way I’ve combated my sciatica and I’ve found yoga and pilates specifically aimed at helping lower back pain have really helped lately.
I am glad you found yoga and pilates helpful. We transition our patients to this type of exercise and or treatment when they can tolerate it. For our chronic patient it has been most helpful. On staff we have a certified Pilates and a Certified Yoga Instructor.