Sciatica is as tricky and deceptive as a sly magician: Sciatic pain often alters between severe and constant to mild and intermittent; can affect one leg, both, or switch from side to side; and it may even masquerade as low-back pain for months until more characteristic sciatic pain begins.

But, fortunately, chiropractic sheds light on these sciatic “tricks”. Although its source may appear deceiving, Dr. Winchester finds that the root cause of sciatica is usually in the spine.

The Sciatic Nerve

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It runs from the pelvis through the hip area and buttocks and then courses down the back of each leg.

The term “sciatica” refers to the inflammation of this nerve and the pain that radiates along its course. Sciatica may feel like a leg cramp or as numbness, burning or a pins-and-needles sensation.

Sciatic pain can also be excruciatingly piercing or stabbing. In one study of patients with chronic pain, sciatica sufferers endured “significantly higher” pain scores and limitation in daily living activities than any other group.

The Root of the Problem

Although sciatic pain is generally in the legs, Dr. Winchester wants patients to understand that the root cause is often compression of the sciatic nerve root, which is the beginning of the sciatic nerve as it exits the spinal cord in the lower back.

Nerve root compression is frequently the result of one of two conditions: vertebral subluxation (misalignment of the spinal bones) or sacroiliac subluxation (misalignment of the pelvic bones). When the spinal or pelvic bones are even slightly out of place, spinal movement is restricted, which in turn irritates the muscles, discs and the nerve root—causing pain.

Other causes of sciatic nerve compression include herniated spinal discs and piriformis syndrome (inflammation of the piriformis muscle in the buttocks).

Often, more than one of these four causes occurs simultaneously, so it is vital to identify and address all factors. The good news is that research shows that chiropractic care is effective at alleviating all four of the common causes of sciatic pain.

Vertebral and Sacroiliac Subluxations

Dr. Dana Winchester practices Gonstead chiropractic which corrects both vertebral and sacroiliac subluxations with specific adjustments. These maneuvers, which are safe and effective, successfully realign spinal and pelvic bones.

Research shows that Gonstead chiropractic adjustments are highly successful for sciatic pain associated with vertebral and sacroiliac subluxations.

We’re here to help

If you currently have back pain or leg pain, it’s vital to avoid self-diagnosing and self-medicating. The origin may lie in the sciatic nerve root or may be related to another cause, unconnected to the sciatic nerve. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Dana Winchester today to discover the underlying problem.

As parents, we are focused on providing the very best for our children. As we send them off to school, our intention is no different.

We are often told that carrying a bag of books on one shoulder is bad for posture. So, we confidently turn to the 2-strap backpack thinking we are taking stress off the little one’s backs.

However, contrary to popular belief, these backpacks can be just as bad for the health of your children’s spines. When worn improperly or packed too heavily, even the 2-strap backpack can negatively affect the neck, shoulders, upper back and lower back.

Knowing the harmful effects of a backpack on a child’s musculoskeletal health, what can parents do?

According to the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) and the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), the idea is to “Pack it Light”, and Wear it Right.” Both the CCA and ACA agree on the following recommendations regarding the choice, packing, and carrying of backpacks.

1. Choosing a Backpack

An Important factor is the size of the backpack relative to the size of the child. The top of the backpack should not extend higher than the top of the shoulder, and the bottom should not fall below the top of the hipbone.

The backpack ought to be as light as possible- made from materials such as nylon or vinyl instead of leather.

The shoulder straps should be at least two inches wide, adjustable and padded. The straps themselves must leave ample room for movement of the arms. The back portion of the backpack should also be padded for protection and comfort.

Backpacks should always include a hip strap of wrist belt. This redistributes as much as 50-70 percent of the backpack weight to the pelvis, which decreases the load on the upper back, neck and shoulders.

Choosing a backpack with several individual pockets instead of one large compartment makes it easier to properly distribute the weight. Another option is to use a backpack-style carrier with wheels and pull handle for easy rolling.

2. Packing a Backpack

The total weight of the backpack plus its contents should never exceed 15 percent of a person’s body weight (e.g., a 90-pound child should not carry more than 14 pounds in a backpack). For elementary-aged children, reduce this number to below 10 percent of their body weight.

Pack contents so the weight is evenly distributed in the backpack. Place heavier items closer to the body. This reduces the pulling effect on the shoulder straps. It also makes it easier for the child to maintain balance without leaning forward.

To help stay under the recommended load, only pack items needed for that day. Load odd-shaped items on the outside to prevent them from digging into your child’s back.

3. Carrying a Backpack

Both shoulder straps should be adjusted so the pack fits snugly to the body but not too tight. A parent’s hand should be able to slide between the backpack and the child’s back. Always fasten hip straps.

If you are still not sure what to do, ask Dr. Winchester or Dr.Haggerty for additional advice. In addition to helping fix spinal misalignments caused by an improperly fitting backpack, your chiropractor can help prevent these problems from happening in the first place.