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Sciatica
Sciatica is a severe pain in
the leg caused from compression or irritation of the sciatic
nerve. The sciatic nerves are the largest and longest nerves
of the body, reaching about the size of your thumb in diameter,
and running down the back of each leg. When these nerves
are irritated or affected by the inflammation of nearby soft
tissues, doctors refer to this as sciatica.
One of the most common causes
of sciatic leg pain is the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
It can be accompanied by the bulging or herniation of the soft,
pulpy discs which separate each spinal bone. This can irritate
or put pressure on the sciatic nerve roots as they leave the
spinal cord. The result can be an intense pain shooting
down either or both legs.
In the past, treatment has involved
pain medications, muscle relaxers, physical therapy, and even
surgery. The chiropractic approach is to use carefully
directed and controlled pressure to remove the interference from
spinal structures. These chiropractic adjustments can be
quite effective in reducing nerve irritation and its associated
pain.
Sciatica, like other health problems
that can be traced to the spine, often responds dramatically
to the restoration of normal spinal function through chiropractic
care.
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