A Common Question patients ask us:
Is Sciatica (leg pain) a Disorder or a Symptom and can Lordex help?
The term sciatica is commonly used to describe pain traveling down the leg from the low back. Sciatica is a symptom caused by a disorder occurring in the lumbar spine. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body, about the diameter of a finger. Sciatic nerve fibers begin at the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebra (L4, L5) (or low back) and the first few segments of the sacrum. The nerve passes through the sciatic foramen just below the Piriformis muscle (rotates the thigh laterally), to the back of the extension of the hip and to the lower part of the Gluteus Maximus (muscle in the buttock, thigh extension). The sciatic nerve then runs vertically downward into the back of the thigh, behind the knee branching into the hamstring muscles (calf) and further downward to the feet.
Sciatica Symptoms
Usually sciatica affects one side of the body. The pain may be dull, sharp, burning, or accompanied by intermittent shocks of shooting pain beginning in the buttock traveling downward into the back or side of the thigh and/or leg. Sciatica then extends below the knee and may be felt in the feet. Sometimes symptoms include tingling and numbness. Sitting and trying to stand up may be painful and difficult.
 Coughing and sneezing can intensify the pain.
The Cause: Nerve Compression
Compression of the sciatic nerve can cause any of the above-cited symptoms. Rarely is nerve damage permanent and paralysis is seldom a danger as the spinal cord ends before the first lumbar vertebra. However, increasing trunk or leg weakness, or bladder and/or bowel incontinence is an indication of Cauda Equina Syndrome, a serious disorder which you should seek emergency treatment for.

Lumbar spine disorders known to cause sciatic nerve compression include the following:

Herniated discs are the most common cause of sciatica in the lumbar spine.
Degenerative Disc Disease, a natural biological process associated with aging, is known to cause disc weakness that can be a precursor to a disc herniation.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of one or more neural passageways due to disc degeneration and/or facet arthritis. The sciatic nerve may become impinged as a result of these changes.
Isthmic Spondylolisthesis results from a stress fracture often at the 5th lumbar vertebra (L5). The fracture combined with disc space collapse may allow the vertebra to slip forward on the first sacral segment (S1). The slippage may cause the L5 nerve root to become pinched as it leaves the spine.
How can Lordex Low Back Treatment at Murray Chiropractic Help leg and/or low back pain?

Lordex targets the lumbar muscles to reintroduce kinetic activity. The Lordex Decompression Unit then comfortably tractions the spinal joint, decompressing the disk and reducing pain. Unlike conventional traction that stretches the back only, the Lordex Decompression procedure aids in reconstitution and disc healing, allowing increased circulation to the damaged area.

The therapy is gentle, yet effective.

Each Lordex session is administered by a member of our clinical staff. The complete program requires 20-30 hours over a four to six week period. Our guests find the experience relaxing and painless.

The technology is advanced and recognized.

Lordex guests have been able to enjoy a clinical success rate of 86% for favorable treatment, greatly enhancing their overall quality of life.

Learn more about treatment options for your low back pain. Log onto our sister website: 
www.lowbacktreat.com 
Phone: 605-697-5090 or email us:
drtony@swiftel.net