Sciatica is a very common condition – 5% of people who have low back pain also have sciatica. Daily activities such as sitting for long periods, climbing stairs, and walking can all aggravate symptoms. It can present in a few different ways (1) -
- Achy sensation
- Shooting, searing pain
- Pins and needles sensation
These symptoms usually present in one leg. Traditional sciatica management involves a series of stretches, anti-inflammatories, possible corticosteroid injections, and/or surgery. These protocols may be effective in masking the pain, but they do not address a root cause of sciatica.
How is my neck related to my sciatica?
Your spinal cord sends signals to and from your brain. Your nerves branch off of your brain and spinal cord. Your spine is designed to protect your spinal cord. When the top bone in your spine (atlas) is out of alignment, it creates spinal cord tension. This tension leads to the signals becoming distorted. Improper signals can lead to postural imbalance, pain, and muscle spasms. One of the ways an atlas misalignment can create low back pain is through muscle imbalance. Muscle tension can increase on one side of the body, causing one hip to be higher than the other. This causes one leg to be slightly shorter than the other.
I am trained in NUCCA – a gentle, specific type of chiropractic that is aimed at correcting the atlas. This gentle approach does not involve any popping or twisting the neck. Through realignment of the atlas, there is reduced pressure on the spinal cord. This allows for proper messages to be sent to and from the brain, potentially creating balanced posture. Less muscle tension leads to even hips, possibly reducing sciatic symptoms.
Alibhoy described a case study of a 45-year-old woman who experienced sciatica down both legs, along with other health issues. After approximately one month of specific atlas chiropractic care, her left leg sciatica resolved. Her right leg sciatica had improved 60%. After six months of care, her right leg sciatica had decreased 98%. (2)
References
- Cianflocco A. Low Back Pain - Bone, Joint, and Muscle Disorders [Internet]. Merck Manuals Consumer Version. 2015 [cited 22 February 2016]. Available from: http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/bone,-joint,-and-muscle-disorders/low-back-and-neck-pain/low-back-pain
- Alibhoy N. Resolution of Fibromyalgia Following Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care: A Case Study. J Upper Cerv Chiro Res [Internet]. 2011 [cited 22 February 2016];2011(June):39-44. Available from: http://www.mccoypress.net/juccr/docs/2011-1059_fibromyalgia.pdf
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