Sciatica: The River of Nerves

How do you know if you have sciatica?

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  • Pain in the buttocks or leg that worsens when sitting
  • Burning or tingling down one or both legs
  • Weakness, numbness or difficulty using your leg or foot
  • A shooting pain that makes standing difficult

If these symptoms sound familiar, you’re likely in your 40’s or 50’s and have pain when coughing, sneezing or any kind of movement. You probably have sciatica.

Like a large river created by smaller streams, four or five pairs of nerves exit the spine in the lower back to form the two sciatic nerves. The soft pulpy disc between each spinal bone is often involved. While a disc can’t “slip,” it can bulge, herniate or rupture. This can put direct pressure on the nearby nerves. The result? Swelling. Inflammation.

Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also radiate down to the foot or toes.

“While sciatica can be distracting,” observes Dr. Miklos, “it rarely produces permanent nerve damage. Especially with prompt chiropractic care. Chiropractic care is so successful in helping those with sciatica, it’s almost considered routine.”

The only challenge seems to be impatient patients who expect instant results. Unlike artificial solutions such as drugs or more drastic surgery, chiropractic care helps restore the proper relationships between bones, discs and nerves. This natural approach, relying on the healing ability of your body, moves at its own pace. Do you know someone who could be helped?

Dr. Miklos Asks some important questions of interest to Vermilion residents - Chiropractor Vermilion Dr. Miklos Asks...

What is the significance of "growing pains?"
Chiropractors know that aches or pains at any age mean something's not right. In fact, many children go through stages of growth without aches or pains. So while "growing pains" may be common, they're not normal. That's why our Vermilion chiropractic practice sees lots of children. A chiropractic checkup for your child can often help detect and correct problems that are more difficult to correct in Vermilion adults.
Why are chiropractors wary of the germ theory?
Louis Pasteur originated the idea that germs caused disease. Yet, on his deathbed he recanted, declaring, "It's not the seed, but the soil." Meaning, it's not the germ that causes disease, but the condition of the body that allows the germ to thrive. Chiropractic care in our Vermilion office is designed to bolster your resistance so germs don't see you as a good host.