What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition that is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest single nerve in the human body. It starts at the base of the spine and travels down the back of the leg and through the buttocks to the feet. The sciatic nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles of the hips, thighs, and buttocks.
Conventional treatment for sciatica typically revolves around frequent medication and invasive surgery. However, these treatments are not always the best option, with many patients experiencing persistent symptoms and long-term side effects. Fortunately, sciatica patients have other options to choose from. Upper cervical chiropractic care is a safe and non-invasive treatment that helps to relieve sciatica naturally by alleviating nerve pressure and restoring the spinal column to natural alignment.
Signs and Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica can be difficult to diagnose because it is a symptom-based condition. The most common symptoms of sciatica include pain in the buttocks, hips, and upper thighs. Patients may also experience numbness, tingling, and/or a burning sensation in the lower back and legs.
The pain is often worse when the patient is sitting, standing, or walking. In severe cases, patients may also notice that their legs become weaker, leading to mobility impairments.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Sciatica
The upper cervical spine is a complex region of the spine that includes the atlas, axis, and the three uppermost cervical vertebrae. The upper cervical spine plays a vital role in protecting and stabilizing the head and neck. If there is a misalignment in the upper cervical spine, the neck and upper back are susceptible to overuse injuries and muscle strains. Left untreated, vertebral misalignments in the upper cervical spine can pinch or inflame the sciatic nerve, leading to the symptoms of sciatica.
How Our Sciatica Treatment Works
Our upper cervical chiropractic care treatment is a precise, non-invasive treatment that helps to restore the natural alignment of the upper cervical spine. This in turn reduces inflammation and pressure around the sciatic nerve, leading to the relief of sciatica symptoms.
At our office, upper cervical chiropractic care treatment is performed using low-force spinal corrections. However, before we can perform any corrections, our expert chiropractor, Dr. Bello, will use a combination of X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography scans to identify the exact angle and location of your misalignment.
Once we have pinpointed the misaligned vertebrae, Dr. Bello will target the affected area with a series of gentle corrections, correcting the misalignment and restoring the natural alignment of the upper cervical spine.
If you are suffering from sciatica, why not try a natural and alternative treatment that can provide much-needed relief. Dr. Bello is here to help you. He services patients in Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica, Culver City, Brentwood, Westwood, Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas.