The Basics of Sciatica and How to Find Relief

Let’s begin by discussing the sciatic nerve. There are actually two branches of the nerve, one running down the back of each leg. The nerves originate in the lower segments of the spinal cord, pass through the hip, and run down the back of the leg into the foot. They are the largest peripheral nerves of the body, about the size of the little finger. The job of the sciatic nerve is to relay messages to and from the brain about the lower body and sensations in the legs. Conditions such as sciatica alter these messages.
What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica?

• An electric shock feeling down the back of the leg
• Numbness and tingling
• Muscle weakness in the lower extremities
• Generally, only one side is affected
• Consistent pain in the buttocks

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When to Be Concerned

Pain from sciatica can vary. In mild cases, it will clear up on its own in a few weeks. However, if numbness is felt in the thighs or weakness in the muscles continues to get worse over time, it may be time to seek the care of a professional. Another sign that sciatica may be getting serious is the inability to control the bowels or bladder function.

Where to Find Answers

The good news is that sciatica does not have to be a permanent condition. Upper cervical chiropractors are specialists in treating conditions related to the spine and have seen success stories abound with their patients. A common misconception is that lower back pain must be treated by adjusting the lower back. The truth is that the problem often lies in the upper neck vertebrae. Misalignments of only a quarter of a millimeter can wreak havoc on the entire body. By realigning the subluxations in the upper neck, the rest of the spine follows by falling back into place. This often dramatically reduces or eliminates the symptoms of sciatica.

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