If so, you aren’t alone. Millions of Americans endure sciatic nerve pain every day.
This debilitating condition is one of the most frequent contributors to intense, low back pain. It can arise from a variety of factors including a herniated disc or even pregnancy-related pressure on the sciatic nerve.
But is there a common cause of sciatica that many people overlook?
Here to explain more about sciatica and how to get relief is Blair Chiropractic practitioner, Dr. Elizabeth Hoefer.
Sciatica Basics
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body. The nerve starts in the lower back and runs through the hips, buttocks, and down the legs. Sciatica is often caused by compression or irritation of the nerve, which can be due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or a misaligned vertebra.
Sciatica and Neck Issues
The connection between the upper cervical spine’s structural integrity and the sciatic nerve lies in the complex interplay between the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system.
One way in which upper cervical misalignments can impact the sciatic nerve is by altering the alignment and function of the pelvis. The pelvis is a complex structure that includes the hip bones, sacrum, and coccyx, and is connected to the lower spine.
When the upper cervical spine is misaligned, it can affect the alignment and function of the entire spine, including the pelvis. This alteration in pelvic alignment can, in turn, impact the sciatic nerve. For example, a misaligned pelvis can create tension in the muscles and ligaments that attach to the hip bones, leading to compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve as it passes through the buttocks and down the leg.
What Is Blair Chiropractic?
Blair Chiropractic is a specific technique within the chiropractic profession that focuses on the upper cervical spine, particularly the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae. However, it’s important to note that the Blair Chiropractic analysis also includes the entire cervical spine. Remarkably, there’s never any twisting, popping or cracking of the neck with Blair Chiropractic adjustments.
In Blair Chiropractic, the focus on correcting misalignments in the upper cervical spine is believed to improve the function of the nervous system, including the sciatic nerve, by allowing the brain to connect to the body more effectively and correcting postural distortions that can happen as a result of compensation while translating gravity through the body. By addressing the root cause of the problem (misalignments in the neck), Blair chiropractors aim to alleviate sciatic pain and other related symptoms.
By assessing the entire cervical spine, Blair Chiropractic doctors can provide a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction, rather than just addressing symptoms. This approach may help patients achieve long-term relief from conditions such as sciatica and other neurological conditions.
If you’re dealing with sciatic nerve pain, or if you’re interested in the Blair Chiropractic approach, please contact the friendly office staff at Well Connected Chiropractic to set up an appointment today!
Dr. Elizabeth S. Hoefer (Hay-fer) earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree, Bachelor of Science, and Associate of Science in Chiropractic Technology at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa (the birthplace of Chiropractic). She recently earned her Diplomate in Craniocervical Junction Procedures, D.C.C.J.P., which is a 3 year post graduate training in upper cervical procedures. This is the most advanced degree available in the field of upper cervical chiropractic.
In 2015, Dr. Hoefer was awarded Blair Chiropractor of the Year. Dr. Hoefer was voted New Chiropractor of the Year 2013 by the California Chiropractic Association for the State of California. She currently serves as the President for the California Chiropractic Association (CalChiro).
With such extensive and advanced training in chiropractic, Dr. Hoefer offers patients a wealth of knowledge and a passion to serve. Having personally experienced the healing power of Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic, she is dedicated to the advancement of this work and committed to educating the public about the vast benefits Blair Chiropractic has to offer.
Dr. Hoefer lives in Southern California with her husband and three lovely daughters.
