Sciatica can be a life altering condition, and past treatment options have failed to bring relief. A new treatment option is providing relief in most cases, without the risk associated with surgery.
The term sciatica is often used to describe pain down the leg, however the true definition of sciatica is irritation of the sciatic nerve, which is a combination of several nerves as they leave the lower back .The majority of cases of sciatica are caused by herniated or bulging discs in the lumbar spine. These discs are soft cartilaginous structures that provide cushion between each vertebrae.
When you look at the consistency of a disc it is made up of 2 distinct layers. The outer portion is the consistency of cartilage and the inner portion is much softer and almost jelly like. The combination of these structures provides good cushioning and flexibility to the disc. The problem arises when the outer portion weakens and allows the softer inner portion to begin to migrate outward creating a bulge or herniation. This then compromises the exiting nerve and creates the symptoms often associated with sciatica such as pain, numbness and weakness.
The treatment of sciatica often includes medications, spinal injections and in severe cases surgery may be recommended. With the exception of surgery these treatments are often temporary and don't treat the actual cause. They also bring with them the risk of undesirable side effects. If the nerve is actually compressed these treatments may offer very little relief if any at all, and surgery brings with it other undesirable risks.
One of the most common treatments from the above list are spinal injections or epidurals. This treatment may offer a short term solution to a debilitation problem, however it offers very little in the way of a long term benefit. The injections work by combating inflammation and reducing swelling of the affected nerve, however side effects may be associated with this treatment. These may include a spinal headache, a spike in blood sugar for diabetics and the potential of a rebound effect where the pain returns with greater intensity. The relief these injections bring may be worth the risk but a long term solution needs to be combined for the treatment to be truly effective.
In extreme cases of unrelenting sciatica surgery may be recommended and in a small number of cases may be an appropriate treatment. However, the overall success rate for disc related surgery is poor at only about 50% and in many cases the problem may worsen after surgery resulting in a condition called failed back surgery syndrome. This complication may arise from post surgical scarring, spinal instability, and increased stress on adjacent discs. It is very common to require another surgery in later years.
A new approach to the treatment of sciatica now exists that is safe, effective and treats the cause of the problem not just the symptoms. It's called Spinal Decompression and brings with it a patented technology that allows a negative pressure to be created inside the disc space through a gentle distraction on the spine. This technology bypasses the typical guarding reflex of the spinal muscles and produces these negative gradients drawing in bulging and herniated material as well as fluid and nutrition so the disc can heal. It's effective in over 80% of patients and has no risky side effects. While some will say it looks like traction the computer system makes it highly sophisticated and beyond the realm of traditional traction devices.
While spinal decompression may not be right for everyone suffering from sciatica, research shows it to be a very promising and long term option for many. Because it offers a true healing environment for the disc and nerves the problem is not just masked or covered up, but a true healing of the structures takes place. The treatment is safe and represents a real promise for sciatica sufferers everywhere. - 15343
The term sciatica is often used to describe pain down the leg, however the true definition of sciatica is irritation of the sciatic nerve, which is a combination of several nerves as they leave the lower back .The majority of cases of sciatica are caused by herniated or bulging discs in the lumbar spine. These discs are soft cartilaginous structures that provide cushion between each vertebrae.
When you look at the consistency of a disc it is made up of 2 distinct layers. The outer portion is the consistency of cartilage and the inner portion is much softer and almost jelly like. The combination of these structures provides good cushioning and flexibility to the disc. The problem arises when the outer portion weakens and allows the softer inner portion to begin to migrate outward creating a bulge or herniation. This then compromises the exiting nerve and creates the symptoms often associated with sciatica such as pain, numbness and weakness.
The treatment of sciatica often includes medications, spinal injections and in severe cases surgery may be recommended. With the exception of surgery these treatments are often temporary and don't treat the actual cause. They also bring with them the risk of undesirable side effects. If the nerve is actually compressed these treatments may offer very little relief if any at all, and surgery brings with it other undesirable risks.
One of the most common treatments from the above list are spinal injections or epidurals. This treatment may offer a short term solution to a debilitation problem, however it offers very little in the way of a long term benefit. The injections work by combating inflammation and reducing swelling of the affected nerve, however side effects may be associated with this treatment. These may include a spinal headache, a spike in blood sugar for diabetics and the potential of a rebound effect where the pain returns with greater intensity. The relief these injections bring may be worth the risk but a long term solution needs to be combined for the treatment to be truly effective.
In extreme cases of unrelenting sciatica surgery may be recommended and in a small number of cases may be an appropriate treatment. However, the overall success rate for disc related surgery is poor at only about 50% and in many cases the problem may worsen after surgery resulting in a condition called failed back surgery syndrome. This complication may arise from post surgical scarring, spinal instability, and increased stress on adjacent discs. It is very common to require another surgery in later years.
A new approach to the treatment of sciatica now exists that is safe, effective and treats the cause of the problem not just the symptoms. It's called Spinal Decompression and brings with it a patented technology that allows a negative pressure to be created inside the disc space through a gentle distraction on the spine. This technology bypasses the typical guarding reflex of the spinal muscles and produces these negative gradients drawing in bulging and herniated material as well as fluid and nutrition so the disc can heal. It's effective in over 80% of patients and has no risky side effects. While some will say it looks like traction the computer system makes it highly sophisticated and beyond the realm of traditional traction devices.
While spinal decompression may not be right for everyone suffering from sciatica, research shows it to be a very promising and long term option for many. Because it offers a true healing environment for the disc and nerves the problem is not just masked or covered up, but a true healing of the structures takes place. The treatment is safe and represents a real promise for sciatica sufferers everywhere. - 15343
About the Author:
Dr. Randall Pruitt is a board certified chiropractic neurologist. He was a pioneer in the use of Spinal Decompression In Phoenix Arizona. He utilizes the DRX9000 in his practice to achieve results for the treatment of Sciatica In Phoenix
