If you’ve ever experienced back pain accompanied by pain radiating down your leg, there is a high possibility that you are dealing with sciatica. This condition is commonly observed by chiropractors and can usually be alleviated through their assistance.
Sciatica is essentially inflammation or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which originates in the buttocks and extends down the leg. When the nerve becomes irritated, you typically experience a throbbing or burning pain along the back of your leg.
Various factors can contribute to sciatica, ranging from prolonged car rides to keeping your wallet in your back pocket. However, the most frequent cause is incorrect movement of the pelvis, leading to tightness in the piriformis muscle. As the sciatic nerve passes beneath the piriformis, tightness in this muscle can compress the nerve.
So, how do we address this issue at our office?
Firstly, we need to stretch the muscle and encourage its relaxation. By achieving this, the irritation on the sciatic nerve decreases and the symptoms may diminish. More importantly, we must address the underlying cause of the muscle tightness and ensure proper pelvic function. This is where chiropractic adjustment comes into play.
Through gentle manipulation of the joint and enhancing its mobility, the piriformis muscle relaxes, often resulting in the relief of symptoms. Combining the adjustment with a simple stretch can often lead to quick improvement. (I must caution you, however, that if you are experiencing significant issues, this stretch might potentially worsen your pain. It is advisable to consult your chiropractor before attempting it.)
To assist you further, we have a video created several years ago that provides a demonstration of the recommended stretch.
