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Category: Back

Chiropractor Scarborough | Scarborough ChiropractorBack

What Is Sciatica?

Understanding Sciatica?

Sciatica pain

Sciatica is a common condition that causes pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates along the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in your body. This nerve runs from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down the back of each leg.

Sciatica isn’t a condition on its own — it’s a symptom of an underlying problem that affects the lower spine or nearby structures.

Common Causes of Sciatica

Herniated or Bulging Disc

The most common cause of sciatica. When the soft centre of a spinal disc protrudes or leaks out, it can press on the nearby nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve — triggering pain and weakness in the leg.

Spinal Stenosis

This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, putting pressure on the nerves, including the sciatic nerve. It’s more common in older adults.

Degenerative Disc Disease

As spinal discs age and wear down, they lose their cushioning ability. This can irritate the nerve roots and lead to sciatica symptoms.

Piriformis Syndrome

The piriformis muscle (deep in the buttock) can become tight or inflamed, pressing on the sciatic nerve. This causes sciatica-like pain, often without spinal involvement.

Spondylolisthesis

This occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another, potentially compressing the nerve roots and irritating the sciatic nerve.

Pregnancy

In some women, the growing uterus and postural changes during pregnancy can compress the sciatic nerve, leading to temporary symptoms.

 Rare but Serious Causes

In rare cases, sciatica may be caused by: Spinal tumours, Infections, Trauma or injury to the spine

What Should You Do?

If you’re experiencing: Pain that radiates down one leg, numbness or tingling in the buttocks or thigh, weakness in the leg or foot, pain that worsens when sitting or coughing

…it’s time to get assessed by a professional. Early diagnosis can help you manage symptoms and prevent further problems.

How We Can Help

At Scarborough Chiropractic, we offer:

Thorough assessments of sciatica and its root causes

Chiropractic care and spinal adjustments

Soft tissue therapy and muscle release techniques

Rehab exercises and lifestyle advice tailored to your needs

Book your consultation today and take the first step towards relief.

What is sciatica

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in your body. The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back, through your hips and buttocks, and down each leg, it provides most of the sensation, muscle strength and reflexes in the leg. Sciatica is not a medical diagnosis in itself but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. Several common causes of sciatica include:

  1. Herniated or Bulging Disc: The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated or bulging disc in the spine. When the soft inner material of a disc protrudes or leaks out, it can press on the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve.
  2. Spinal Stenosis: This is a condition where the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the nerves, including the sciatic nerve.
  3. Degenerative Disc Disease: As the discs in the spine age, they can lose their cushioning ability, leading to pain and irritation of the nerves, including the sciatic nerve.
  4. Piriformis Syndrome: The piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks, can sometimes irritate or compress the sciatic nerve, causing sciatica.
  5. Spondylolisthesis: This is a condition where one vertebra slips forward over an adjacent vertebra, putting pressure on the sciatic nerve.
  6. Pregnancy: In some cases, the pressure of the growing uterus on the sciatic nerve during pregnancy can cause sciatica.

And on rare occasions tumours, infection and injury.

Treatment may involve a combination of pain management, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention. If you suspect you have sciatica or are experiencing persistent pain, it’s essential to seek professional advice for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Chiropractors use a variety of non-invasive techniques to treat sciatica, with the goal of relieving pain and improving function. It’s important to note that while some people find relief from chiropractic care, however the effectiveness of these treatments can vary. Here are some common chiropractic approaches to treating sciatica:

  1. Spinal Adjustments (Manipulation): Chiropractors often use spinal adjustments to realign the spine and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. This involves the application of controlled force to specific joints, aiming to improve mobility and alleviate pain.
  2. Flexion-Distraction Technique: This is a gentle, hands-on spinal manipulation technique that involves using a specialized table to stretch and decompress the spine. It can be particularly useful for treating conditions like herniated discs that may be contributing to sciatica.
  3. Therapeutic Exercises: Chiropractors may recommend specific exercises to strengthen the core muscles and improve the stability of the spine. Strengthening these muscles can help support the lower back and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.
  4. Lifestyle and Postural Advice: Chiropractors often provide guidance on ergonomics, posture, and lifestyle modifications to help prevent the recurrence of sciatic pain. This may include recommendations for proper sitting, standing, and lifting techniques.

While people experience relief from chiropractic treatments, it is important to acknowledge that others may find more benefit from a combination of approaches, including physical therapy, medication, and, in severe cases surgical intervention is required.

Always discuss your symptoms and treatment options with a healthcare provider, such as chiropractor to determine the most appropriate and evidence-based approach for your specific situation.

Our approach
We have a flexible approach, aiming to find a gentle and effective treatment to suit the needs of you, your lifestyle and your health goals.
Our chiropractor has completed an undergraduate masters qualification in chiropractic, is a member of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC), as well as completing an extra year of pre-registration training to become a member of the College of Chiropractors (CoC).

We take pride in the fact that the majority of our patients come to us through the recommendation of other satisfied patients.

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What in the spine does manipulation effect?

What in the spine does manipulation effect?

Spinal manipulation by chiropractors primarily targets the vertebral column, which is the central structure of the spine. The vertebral column consists of 24 individual vertebrae when you discount the fused ones in the sacrum and coccyx, these are stacked on top of one another and separated by intervertebral discs. The spine is divided into several regions, including the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions. Chiropractic manipulation can have an impact on several components of the spine, including:

Vertebrae: Chiropractic adjustments are primarily focused on the individual vertebrae. By applying controlled force to specific vertebrae, chiropractors aim to improve mobility and alignment, which can help alleviate pain and improve overall function.

Intervertebral discs: These discs act as cushions between the vertebrae and help absorb shock. Spinal manipulation can potentially affect the position and function of these discs, which is important for maintaining spinal flexibility and preventing issues such as herniated discs.

Spinal joints: The manipulation aims to influence the movement and function of the spinal joints, including the facet joints, which are located at the back of each vertebra. These joints are crucial for enabling smooth spinal movement and any dysfunction can contribute to pain and stiffness.

Spinal nerves: Manipulation can indirectly affect spinal nerves by reducing pressure or irritation on them. This can lead to the alleviation of pain and improvement in the functioning of the nervous system.

Chiropractors believe that by adjusting the spine, they can positively influence the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and overall health of the body.

Why do chiropractors vary in price in the UK?

The cost of seeing a chiropractor in the UK can vary depending on factors such as the location of the clinic, the experience of the chiropractor, and the specific services offered. Additionally, prices may differ based on whether the appointment is for an initial consultation, a follow-up session, or a treatment package.

The cost for an initial consultation with a chiropractor in the UK typically ranges from £40 to £80 or more. Follow-up sessions might be in the range of £30 to £60 per session. These are approximate figures and can vary. At Core Chiropractic an initial consultation, including treatment costing £63 (£50 if booked online) and £38 per follow up session.

Is chiropractic available on the NHS?

Chiropractic treatment is not widely available on the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. Chiropractic care is considered a complementary and alternative medicine, and access to it through the NHS is limited.
In some cases, a GP may refer a patient to a private chiropractor, but the NHS itself does not typically provide chiropractic services as part of its standard offerings. Patients interested in chiropractic care may need to seek private treatment and cover the costs themselves or through private health insurance if they have coverage for such services.

Is chiropractic in the UK regulated?

Yes, chiropractic is regulated in the United Kingdom. The regulatory body responsible for overseeing chiropractors in the UK is the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). The GCC is an independent statutory body established by the Chiropractors Act 1994. Its primary role is to protect the public by setting standards of education, conduct, and practice for chiropractors.
Chiropractors in the UK must be registered with the GCC to practice legally. The GCC maintains a public register that includes details of all registered chiropractors, allowing patients to check the credentials of their chiropractor and ensuring that they meet the required standards.
The regulation by the GCC includes requirements for education and training, professional conduct, and ongoing professional development for chiropractors. This regulatory framework is in place to ensure that chiropractic care in the UK is provided safely, ethically, and with a high standard of competence.

 

Why do chiropractors manipulate the spine?

Why do chiropractors manipulate the spine?

Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation

Chiropractors manipulate the spine with the intention of treating various musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine and its surrounding structures. The basic idea behind spinal manipulation is that the body has the inherent ability to heal itself. Chiropractic treatment, including spinal manipulation, is based on the principle that the relationship between the body’s structure, particularly the spine, and its function affects health.

Chiropractic adjustments are believed to help improve spinal motion and enhance the body’s physical function. Chiropractors aim to address issues like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, often through the manipulation or adjustment of the spine. By applying controlled force to joints that have become restricted in their movement, chiropractors seek to restore mobility, alleviate pain, and facilitate the body’s natural ability to heal itself without the use of medication or surgery.

Read some of our latest case studies here…

 

The Joint by joint approach, victims and villains

The Joint by joint approach, victims and villains

This approach basically suggests that as we move we need certain joints to be stable while others are mobile. From the bottom up, we need a stable foot, mobile ankle, stable knee, mobile hip, stable lumbar spine, mobile thoracic spine (rib cage), stable neck and shoulder blade, mobile shoulder joint and so on down through the elbow, wrist and hand. This stands to reason in my eyes when we look at the anatomy of the joints, if we look at the knee, it is basically a big hinge, which moves predominantly through flexion and extension, although we can develop some small degree’s rotation in it. In comparison consider the hip, which is a ball and socket joint, the very nature of the ‘ball’ at the top of thigh bone should give an indication that the joint should move in multiple directions, which a healthy hip joint can quite happily do!

This approach to movement is quite relevant in today’s society. People are sitting for longer periods of time, what this leads to is joints which should be mobile becoming stiff, the ankle, hip and thoracic spine, while we then ask more of joints which should be stable, the foot, the knee and the lumbar spine. This is where victims and villains come into it, the site of the pain is not where the problem is. Take for example the knee, non-traumatic knee pain, patella-femoral pain syndrome or ilio-tibial band pain, very rarely is problem in the knee, it is just the victim of altered joint function either above it at the hip or below it at the ankle and foot, either one or both being the villain! So we could try and treat the knee, hopefully get some symptomatic relief, or we could look at the bigger picture, working out where the villain is and correcting that painless dysfunction which will then help the ‘stabilise’ the knee in the long run.