Compression or Irritation of the Sciatic Nerve

If you suffer from Sciatica, it's either because your sciatic nerve or one of the five nerve roots that run from your sciatic nerve to your spine are being compressed or irritated. You can take medication to alleviate the pain, but medication only covers the symptoms and prolongs the problem.

Though, you don't just want to cover the symptoms, you want to address the underlying cause. That's why it's important to know what is causing the compression or irritation to your sciatic nerve or those nerve roots. Here are some common things that might be the cause.

• Herniated disc – When one of the discs in your lower spine slips out of place, that disc, or swollen tissue surrounding the disc, may press against your sciatic nerve or one those nerve roots.
• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis – Your spinal cord extends from your brain stem and runs through a canal part way down your vertebrae. If that canal becomes too narrow in your lower back, it can compress against your spinal cord, cuada equina, or sciatic nerve roots.
• Piriformis Syndrome – This is a neuromuscular disorder that occurs when the Piriformis muscle, which is one of six muscles in the hip, compresses or irritates the Sciatic nerve.
• Bulging Disc – This is when a disc bulges out passed it's normal size. Think of it like a hamburger that is too big for its bun. That bulging can be the culprit in the compression or irritation.
• Pregnancy – The weight of your unborn child pressing against your sciatic nerve can be the cause.

Overcoming Sciatica

Though, what causes your sciatica is not limited to the above. It may be due to anything, such as a tumor or trauma to the spine, that causes compression or irritation to your sciatic nerve.

Rather than looking for temporary solutions by learning to live with the pain or taking medication that will only cover the symptoms, it's important to seek out the care of an upper cervical chiropractor. They can examine you, determine the root cause of your sciatica, and set you on a plan to help you achieve your health goals.

Head and neck injuries can surprisingly start the process of sciatica. When you suffer an injury to your head or neck due to car accidents, falls, sports injuries etc. the position of your heavy head can be altered. This tilting can lead to compensations throughout the rest of your spine and the rest of your body. These compensations can lead to abnormal stress on discs, bones, muscles and nerves. To determine the root cause of your sciatica is important to have a thorough evaluation of your entire spinal column including x-rays from a doctor who is capable of restoring proper alignment to your entire spinal column thereby taking stress and pressure off of the sciatic nerve.

To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:

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Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/