We Treat Sciatica In Dublin, Ireland
Are you suffering from sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition that affects the sciatic nerve, that runs from your lower back, into the lower extremities and all the way down to the tippy toes.
It can be caused by a number of things, but typically it’s due to pressure on the sciatic nerve. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that makes it difficult to walk or sit down.
Our team at Dublin Chiropractic & Physical Therapy has years of experience helping people just like you recover from sciatica without surgery or drugs. We incorporate a wide range of treatments, physical therapists and chiropractors collaborate to provide our clients with the very best care, we hit all the bases for sciatica pain relief.
We understand how limiting and aggravating sciatica can be, you can’t sleep because finding a comfortable position is very difficult, and sitting and standing for too long is also uncomfortable. Therefore, getting relieve and settling down your symptoms is the first step in the rehab journey.
To get the relief you deserve contact us at 01 245 4800 or email us at [email protected].
What Is Sciatica And What Is The Sciatic Nerve?
What does sciatic even mean? Well, the sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the body (can be up to 2 cm in diameter [1]). It starts at the lower back (that is why sciatica is defined as low back and leg pain), at the base of the spine, divides into two branches, one for each leg, then runs through the buttock, down both legs to just below your knee, where it branches off into the tibial nerve and peroneal nerve .
Sciatica refers to pain or discomfort felt along the pathway of the sciatic nerve (at the lower back, in the buttocks, down the leg, and/or in the feet,) usually due to a compressed or irritated sciatic nerve root where it leaves the spinal column.
This irritated sciatic nerve has huge negative impact and burden on the health of those how experience it, both emotionally and physically. This puts great need with the medically industry to find safe, effective, and timely treatment options for sciatica.
The onset of sciatica may be sudden following an injury or gradual with no apparent cause. For many sufferers, sciatica will only last a few weeks then resolve itself without treatment; however, for others, it can persist and hugely impact their daily life.
The most significant indicator of sciatica is a pain radiating starting in your lower back that goes down the back of one or thighs. Some other signs include tingling, numbness, and weakness in a person’s legs or feet. Nerve pain is something to be conscious of since as many as 4 in 10 adults will suffer from this painful condition during their lifetime, and nerve pain is no joking matter.
For more information about our Sciatica Treatments & Relief or to book your consultation, call us at (01) 254 4800 or visit our contact page.
What Causes Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Research has found that herniated discs [1] are the most common cause of sciatica. A herniated disc is where the soft jelly-like disc squeezes out and puts pressure on the surroundings ligaments and nerves. A herniated disc is also sometimes referred to as a protruding disc, and or an extruded disc. This squeezed-out disc can cause extreme pain, with tingling and numbness in your buttocks, thighs, feet, neck, arms, or back.
Other causes of sciatic nerve pain include:
- Piriformis Syndrome [2]: When the piriformis muscle is inflammed due to overuse or trauma is can cause compression of the sciatic nerve which lies very close to the piriformis muscle. This compression is characterised by a sharp shooting pain or a nagging dull ache in the gluteal region, numbness and tingling down the leg, pain first thing in the morning, an inability to sit for long periods of time, and pain that increases with movements of the hip joint.
- Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis [3]: Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of the vertebral canal that causes back pain and sciatica.
- Bone spurs or Osteophytes [4]: Bone spurs can limit the space for the nerves exiting the vertebral column, and often put pressure on the nerves causing sciatica-like symptoms.
- Obesity [5]: Increased weight is associated with many, many cardiovascular and musculoskeletal conditions, sciatica and low back pain. A study published by PubMed Central found a significant connection between waist and hip circumference, and high BMI, and increased risk of sciatica.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy is often coupled with new aches and pains as the body dramatically changes, including sometimes…sciatica. Under no circumstances should these symptoms be trivialised as ‘normal’ and ‘just part of pregnancy’ – there is so much we can do to make this special pregnancy journey more enjoyable and more comfortable.
How We Relieve Pain For Good In Dublin, Ireland
We have helped many people with numbness and tingling reduce their symptoms, increase their spinal health and mobility for long-term wellness. We combine chiropractic care and physical therapy care for the best long-lasting results for our clients.
Spinal Adjustments For Sciatica
Regular chiropractic adjustments help provide patients with sciatica pain treatment that is a non-invasive, safe, non-addictive alternative to help them manage their pain.
Chiropractors deliver a gentle therapy, known as a chiropractic adjustment. These adjustments help to reduce joint restrictions and misalignments in the spine and other joints in the body.
These adjustments are made to both reduce pain and improve the function of the tender joint and nervous system. By increasing joint mobility, improving the function of your nervous system, and spinal health, spinal adjustments provide long-term relief for conditions such as sciatica.
Non-surgical Spinal Decompression To Relieve Sciatica
Non-surgical Spinal Decompression is effective for both chronic and acute conditions. It works by taking pressure and stress off the joints of the low-back that is causing sciatica, discomfort, inflammation, or degeneration.
A gentle and gradual pull is applied to the joints of the low-back that not only relieves the pressure on the joint but also nourishes and lubricants the joints – promoting cell renewal, regeneration and allows space for herniated discs to return to their normal position.
Research has shown that non-surgical spinal decompression can lead to a regression of herniated discs causing sciatica, relieving that extreme pain and disability. A study published in 2020 by BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders reported a 63% incidence of regression among non-surgically treated disc herniation [6].
If you would like to read more on Herniated Discs and how they may be the cause of sciatica check out our page here.
Intrinsic Core Strengthening For Long-term Strength And Resilience
Strengthening the core is important for preventing an acute condition turning into a long-term, chronic condition, and maintaining optimal health. Most people do not use their core muscles correctly or at all. Our core has so many potential benefits when used correctly. Our strong core muscles can take a lot of the stress and demands put on our bodies. But for most people, the muscles can surround our joints and the somewhat vulnerable structures of our joints (such as the cartilage, ligaments, or bursae) take all the load.
For prevention of injury and pain, for optimal functioning and to truly function to bodies true potential, it is important to not only use the muscles that surround our joints but also to use our core muscles! Intrinsic core strengthening will activate your core muscles and help offload the demands and stress put on your joints.
Laser Therapy To Reduce Inflammation
Laser Therapy is very effective for settling down a ‘hot’ irritated low-back but also for chronic conditions. It works by promoting the natural healing process of the body. It promotes cellular regeneration [7] and increases mitochondrial cells. Mitochondria are important for all metabolic processes in the body – including healing damaged or inflamed joints or muscles. Laser therapy has been shown to effectively relieve pain and swelling in those suffering from knee pain.
The treatment is harmless and pain-free and takes only 15-20 minutes for effective results. Our laser therapy is performed by a competent physical therapist – so you are in good hands. Free feel to ask any questions you may have regarding sciatica or other conditions during the session.
Physical Therapy Care
Sciatica can have a huge impact on your physical, social and emotional health. Our physical therapists look at the whole person when designing client-specific treatment plans. Our physical therapy-designed treatment plans include a range of different treatment options that are evidence-based and effective for treating sciatica. They include:
Exercise therapy to target muscle weakness caused by sciatic nerve compression or systematic weakness caused by being more sedentary.
Massage therapy to reduce secondary issues caused by sciatica such as mid or low-back pain, hip, calve or foot pain and to relax the surrounding muscles.
Joint mobilisations and stretches to reduce joint stiffness or pain caused by sciatica.
Treatment Features
- Is non-invasive so it does not have the dangerous risks of surgery or injections.
- For most patients, it is 100% painless most patients fall asleep during their sessions!
- Gets to the root cause of the problem and helps it heal logically!
- Works Fast! Most patients get relief after a handful of treatments – some even after the initial!
Benefits Of Our Specialised Care People With Sciatica:
- Reduced pain and discomfort
- Decreased inflammation
- Improved range of motion
- Improved flexibility
- Increased activity and lifestyle.
- Increases mood.
- Increases energy levels.
- Increases quality of life.
The Mayo Clinic – Prevention Advice
Exercise Regularly
One of the most important things you can do is to exercise regularly. This will help to strengthen your back muscles and improve your posture. Additionally, be sure to maintain a healthy weight and avoid smoking, as both of these factors can increase your risk of developing sciatica [8].
Maintain Proper Posture When You Sit
Good posture ensures that your spine is properly supported and prevents undue stress on your muscles and joints [8].
Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests and a swivel base. Consider placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of your back to maintain its normal curve. Keep your hips above your knees. Another important tip is to avoid prolonged sitting or standing. If you must stand for long periods of time, take breaks often and try to move around as much as possible. And if you have a sedentary job, make sure to get up and move around at least once every 30 minutes [8].
Use Good Body Mechanics
Finally, body awareness, be mindful, not cautious. Be mindful of how you sit, stand, and sleep – these static postures, hugely impact how we move and function.
By following these simple tips, you can help to prevent the onset of sciatica pain [8].
Visit Us in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin Ireland
Our physical therapy & other services extend throughout Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown including Blackrock, Cherrywood, Stillorgan, Rathfarnham, Shankill, Cabinteely, Foxrock, Clonskeagh, and Killiney.
Our office is located just outside of the center of Dun Laoghaire and is between Deansgrange and Monkstown. You can find our building entrance on Lower Mounttown Road, across from Woodland Park. We are a 30-second walk from Dublin Bus stop 2031 which is outside of Mccormick’s Pub.
Book Online Today
At Dublin Physical & Chiropractic our team of highly trained professionals is committed to helping you achieve your wellness goals and we’re passionate about what we do. We offer free parking, advanced technology, and innovative treatments that will help you feel better fast!
References
[4] https://www.spine-health.com/video/lumbar-osteophytes-bone-spurs-video
[8]. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20377435
