It may seem strange, but the truth is that sciatica often begins in the neck area. While the effects are felt in the lower back, this is not the place of origin. Let’s take a deeper look at the lower back. The sciatic nerve starts in the spinal cord near the lower back region.
It is made up of nerve roots that branch off of the lumbar spine protected by the five lowest vertebrae. The sciatic nerve goes from the lower back, through the buttocks, and extends down the back of each leg as far as the foot. Sciatica occurs when something irritates this nerve. It can be anywhere along the sciatic nerve and can be a very painful condition.
What are some common reasons sciatica occurs?
Sciatica does not always respond to over-the-counter or prescription painkillers. It is suggested that one suffering from sciatica refrains from sitting as much as possible. This is often impossible if one’s job requires sitting at a desk or driving long distances.
When the top bone of the vertebrae – the atlas– misaligns, the entire spine has to shift and twist to compensate for it. Even a tiny misalignment of this bone can cause the head to tilt, the shoulder and hips to become uneven, and lead to muscle tension and spasms in the lower back. This can cause the sciatic nerve to become irritated or inflamed leading to sciatica.
Here at Premier Family Wellness and Spinal Care in Farmington, Michigan, we use a method that is gentle and safe to help the atlas bone to move back into place naturally, thereby allowing the body to repair any damage. Sciatica often improves in a short amount of time.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins, call 248-780-8864 or just click the button below area
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
Dr. Perkins grew up in Novi, Michigan and attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. He received his Doctorate Magna Cum Laude with a focus on Upper Cervical Chiropractic care. Chris is well known in the community for his public speaking and holds a number of professional certifications. We are proud to say that Dr. Perkins and Perkins Family Wellness has been recognized by Hour Magazine as one of the Top Chiropractors in Metro Detroit for 3 years in row.
