The Norcross Chiropractor to see - Chiropractor Norcross

Sciatica: The River of Nerves

Backaches and sciatica image.

How do you know if you have sciatica?

  • Pain in the buttocks or leg that worsens when sitting
  • Burning or tingling down one or both legs
  • Weakness, numbness or difficulty using your leg or foot
  • A shooting pain that makes standing difficult

If these symptoms sound familiar, you’re likely in your 40’s or 50’s and have pain when coughing, sneezing or any kind of movement. You probably have sciatica.

Like a large river created by smaller streams, four or five pairs of nerves exit the spine in the lower back to form the two sciatic nerves. The soft pulpy disc between each spinal bone is often involved. While a disc can’t “slip,” it can bulge, herniate or rupture. This can put direct pressure on the nearby nerves. The result? Swelling. Inflammation. Pain.

Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also radiate down to the foot or toes.

“While sciatica can be distracting,” observes Dr. Daniel (D.C.), “if attended to promptly it rarely produces permanent nerve damage.”

The only challenge seems to be impatient practice members who expect instant results. Unlike artificial solutions such as drugs or more drastic surgery, the intent of chiropractic care is to help restore the proper relationships between bones, discs and nerves. This natural approach, relying on the healing ability of your body, moves at its own pace. Do you know someone who could be helped?

Dr. Daniel (D.C.) Asks some important questions of interest to Norcross residents - Chiropractor Norcross Dr. Daniel (D.C.) Asks...

Can someone who has had back surgery receive chiropractic care?
Yes. Rest assured that we will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. However, what we find is that surgical interventions will often produce spinal instability above or below the involved level. This is will be the focus of your chiropractic care.
What's the difference between a "good" drug and a "bad" drug?
As a chiropractor, I see the use of many drugs (legal or illegal) as merely symptom treating. Worse, virtually every drug produces unwanted effects. The effects of chiropractic are largely positive effects. If you're a Norcross parent, consider carefully before giving your child a cough medication, cold remedy or pain reliever so this sort of question doesn't arise in the first place.