Detroit Chiropractor Specializes in Sciatica Treatment

April 30, 2010 - PRLog -- Sciatica is a very widespread health complaint that usually affects men and women of different ages.  The sciatic nerves are the biggest nerves in the body formed as a result of five smaller nerves that branch off of each side of the spinal cord and extend down the back of both leg.  Once these nerves become irritated or affected by the swelling of nearby soft tissues, physicians refer to this as sciatica.  Sciatica describes the indicators of low back pain, leg pain, numbness, and weakness that travels from the low back, through the buttocks and down the back of the leg.  The origin of these agonizing conditions may be one of a number of problems or it can just be the physical and emotional stress of daily living.  It is important for people suffering from sciatica to realize that sciatica is a symptom of an underlying problem of something (usually a disc bulge) compressing or annoying one of five nerve roots that make-up the sciatic nerve.  Sciatica is not a medical disorder.  The underlying diagnosis is what needs to be addressed in order to relieve the throbbing of sciatic nerve pain, not the symptoms of sciatica.  
The most usual source of sciatic nerve pain is a bulging or herniated disc that puts force on the spinal cord and irritates nearby nerve roots.  These little cartilage pads that are located between spinal bones, also called vertebra, are extremely important to our overall nerve function and spinal wellbeing.  Each disc serves as a connector, spacer, as well as shock absorber for the spine.  While these discs are healthy they are like a moist sponge which is bendable and may allow ordinary rotating and bending.  As soon as the sponge is dehydrated it becomes firm, stiff and may crack easily.  Discs become hard and stiff and begin to deteriorate when regular circulation of the joints gets impaired preventing the joint fluids from bringing in the nutrients essential to keep the disc healthy.  This is how numerous disc problems start.  Damage or injury to the spinal column accelerates disc deterioration.  A disc bulge is when the soft jelly like matter within the middle of the disc pushes to one edge and inflammation occurs that  can produce force on the spinal cord along with nerve roots resulting in the painful symptoms associated with sciatica.  A herniated disc is when the soft jelly like substance in the center of the disc ruptures through the external edge of the disc and beyond to the adjoining nerves and soft tissues.  This also results in the painful symptoms of sciatica such as low back pain, leg pain, tingling, and numbness.  Additional causes of sciatica are spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, plus spondylolisthesis.  Spinal stenosis is when the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord along with the nearby nerve roots.  Spondylolisthesis refers to the misalignment or enlarging of vertebrae in the lumbar spine (lower back area).   Both of these conditions are the result of spinal damage, injury, or day-to-day stress on the body and cause problems related to those associated with sciatica.  Degenerative disc disease is another common origin of sciatic nerve pain.  Degeneration refers to the procedure in which the body deposits calcium on the surface of adjacent bones or vertebra that are not moving properly.  This is how the body responds to improperly working joints.  This spinal decay process can result in the complete fusion of spinal bones producing many of the difficult symptoms coupled with sciatica.  Degenerative disc disease can occur throughout the spine, it is not limited to the lumbar spine.  
Chiropractic care is an exceptional therapy for sciatica.  In the past, treatment has involved pain drugs, muscle relaxers, physical therapy, and even surgical procedure.  These treatment options were not only harmful, addictive, and needless but also ineffective in the management of sciatic nerve pain.  The chiropractic approach is to use carefully directed and controlled pressure in order to eliminate the interference from spinal structures as well as successfully diminish nerve irritation and related pain.  McNeil Chiropractic specializes in spinal rehab and the restoration of normal spinal function through specific postural adjustments, postural traction as well as postural exercises.  Dr. McNeil has helped countless patients with sciatica as well as disc problems, low back pain, and degenerative disc disease.  At McNeil Chiropractic it is our objective to assist others achieve pain relief and maintain a typical spinal and postural position.  Dr. McNeil is aware that correct spinal function, joint function, and mobility are the key to a healthy spine and a healthy life.  Postural chiropractic adjustments help restore mobility to joints which allows joint fluids to bring nutrients to spinal discs resulting in reduced disc bulging and inflammation.  Dr. McNeil has helped many patients suffering from sciatica and other similar conditions avoid needless, risky surgery.  Visit our website to find out more about McNeil Chiropractic and to receive our New Patient Special www.wegotyourback.net

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McNeil Chiropractic uses the unique system of Chiropractic Bio Physics (CBP) to achieve a normal spinal and postural position. Dr. McNeil is the first chiropractor in MI to certify in CBP and the only certified chiropractor in Macomb County.