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Sunday, March 30, 2014

By Ted Strothers


If you experience leg pain, there may be many different reasons. However, a common reason for this type of pain is compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve in a condition known as sciatica. A Coquitlam Chiropractor Office offers help for patients experiencing this type of pain.

The sciatic nerve is made of five smaller nerves that exit the spinal column in different locations before joining to form the largest nerve in the body. It is routed through the hip, pelvis and leg. Smaller nerves branch off the main stem to serve the thigh, calf, knee, foot and toes.

Sciatica is responsible for several types of discomfort. Some sufferers experience shooting pain affecting the length of the leg. Others feel a dull ache or numbness affecting the limb. Sometimes, the sufferer's actions make the pain worse. For example sitting or standing in the same position for an extended time may cause a flare of pain. Activities involving twisting, such as playing golf or tennis may also increase one's pain.

The length of the sciatic leaves many places where the irritation can happen. The lower back is one of these places. If a lumbar vertebra is misaligned, it may cause pain. Chiropractors call the misalignment a subluxation.

A herniated disc may also result in sciatica. These cartilage structures provide shock absorption between the vertebrae. They also allow the individual to bend and turn normally. Injuries from falls and car accidents can cause discs to bulge and place pressure on the nerve.

Most individuals experience sciatica as a sharp pain in their lower back. Eventually the pain caused by this condition extends down the back of one's leg. Sitting or standing in the same position for an extended period often makes the pain worse.

The approach of many medical doctors is to use pain medication for the condition. The medication does nothing for the underlying condition. Chiropractors provide a medication free approach to eliminate the source of pain.




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