Have you ever experienced Sciatica? If you have, then you know how debilitating this neurological condition can be.
This guide will present a biomechanical and neurological perspective on the causes of Sciatica, the treatment options and long-term effects that could take place in individuals plagued with Sciatica.
Below we will discuss how Sciatica can cause neurological complications if allowed to persist.
Sciatica is a complex neurological condition which results from compression of one, or all, of the nerves that comprise the Sciatic Nerve.
Some predisposing factors in the development of Sciatica include:
- Excessive heavy lifting (especially with concomitant bending or twisting)
- Strenuous physical activity
- Prolonged sitting
- Daily repetitive movements resulting in micro-trauma to the spinal disc
- Congenital anomaly
- Degeneration of spinal joints or spinal discs
- Poor Posture resulting in facet imbrication
If you are plagued with Sciatica, it is important to first determine what is causing your Sciatic nerve irritation. In some cases, the cause of Sciatica can be life threatening and can require surgical intervention; often times this is not the case, but Chiropractors are well trained in the diagnosis and treatment of Sciatica.
Our doctor recommends thorough examination and spinal X-Rays. Some cases may require an MRI as clinically indicated by the doctor’s examination.
Patient history, correlated with examination findings can indicate the need for X-rays or MRI to properly diagnose your condition and, in some cases, rule out the presence of the following:
- Cancer
- Spinal Degeneration
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal Canal Stenosis
- Herniated Spinal Disc
It is important to be examined by your doctor when you are experiencing Sciatica because it could result in severe neurological consequences. Sciatica and the resulting neurological effects have been widely studied. Over the years, scientists have researched what happens when a nerve is cut or damaged. The result of this research is the term Wallerian Degeneration.
Wallerian Degeneration is defined as: an active process of degeneration that results when a nerve fiber is cut or crushed and the part of the axon distal to the injury (i.e. farther from the neuron‘s cell body) degenerates.
Allowing Sciatica to persist for weeks, months or even years allows for progression of neurological degeneration. This could result in permanent neurological damage (persistent numbness, muscle weakness and even altered reflexology).
Conclusively, it is important for patients with neurological conditions (tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, atrophy, altered reflexes) to seek care from a licensed health care professional promptly after an injury. Timeliness of care after an injury, especially when neurological symptoms occur, is of utmost importance to help patients from dealing with the long-term effects that could result from a neurological injury.
If you’re looking to manage your pain conservatively, call our office at, (734) 426-0902, for a complimentary consultation. We look forward to creating a plan to help resolve your condition.