Do you suffer from extreme lower back pain that radiates down your leg, making it difficult to stand, sit or even walk? If so, you may be experiencing sciatica, a common condition that affects tons of people worldwide. Sciatica is typically caused by a herniated disc in the lower back, which can pinch or irritate the sciatic nerve and lead to intense leg pain, numbness, and tingling. However, did you know that it can also get triggered by neck bone or atlas subluxation? 

As your dedicated Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic in Anchorage, Atlas Disc and Spine hopes to shed light on both herniated discs and atlas subluxation as sciatica triggers. Let’s help you get acquainted with both, so you can learn how you can potentially lead a pain-free life with the help of an Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractor.

Sciatica Triggers: Atlas Subluxation and Herniated Discs 

Sciatica is a condition described by pain, numbness, and tingling that radiates down the leg, often due to a herniated disc in one's lower back. 

To understand how this happens, it's essential to know the anatomy of the lower back. The spine consists of a series of bones called vertebrae - separated by intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers. The spinal cord runs through a canal in the center of these vertebrae, and nerves branch off from the spinal cord and travel to different parts of the body, including the legs.

When a disc in the lower back herniates or ruptures, the soft inner material can leak out and press against nearby nerves, including the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, running from the lower back down the back of each leg. If it gets compressed or irritated, it can cause pain, numbness, and tingling sensations that radiate down the leg.

In addition to a herniated disc, other conditions that can contribute to sciatica include spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and spondylolisthesis. However, some alternative medicine practitioners believe that atlas subluxation can also play a role in sciatica. 

Atlas subluxation refers to a misalignment of the first cervical vertebra, also known as the atlas, which can affect the entire spine and lead to nerve pinching or compression. This postural problem typically results from neck or head injuries like concussions, TBI, and whiplash. 

Notably, the sheer force from such events affects the ligaments holding the atlas and axis bones in place, causing the bones to shift or twist away from their orthogonal or 90-degree alignment with the head and other vertebral bones.

Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic in Anchorage for Lasting Sciatica Relief

Are you tired of living with the constant pain and discomfort caused by sciatica? If yes, then it’s time for you to seek an Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic in Anchorage!

Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic is a specific approach in chiropractic care that focuses on the two topmost vertebrae in the neck - the atlas and the axis. These vertebrae are responsible for supporting the weight of the head and allowing for proper spinal alignment. 

As we’ve discussed above, changes in the atlas alignment can affect the entire spine, leading to a wide range of problems, including sciatica. Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic in Anchorage utilizes a precision instrument to deliver a gentle yet effective adjustment to the atlas. This technique is non-invasive and most patients tolerate the adjustments and report significant changes in their  sciatica symptoms and posture problems. 

If you're ready to say goodbye to constant sciatica flare-ups, book your appointment with Dr. Rizaldy Ortiz, DC, BCAO at Atlas Disc and Spine so you can begin fixing your posture problems and healing the body. With his extensive experience and expertise in Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic, you can expect to receive top-notch care for your ailing lower back.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ortiz, call our Anchorage office at 907-222-4604. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.