480.990.2663

What is it?

The term sciatica describes the symptoms of a dull ache in the buttocks and the back of the leg pain—some may also experience tingling, numbness or weakness—that originate in the lower back and travel through the buttock and down the sciatic nerve in the back of the leg. Sciatica can make standing difficult or sitting nearly impossible.

What causes Sciatica?

Sciatica (also known as Sciatic Neuritis) is a symptom of an irritated nerve. The question is what is causing that irritation and where is the irritation occurring?
Is the irritation occurring in the spine, the Sacroiliac joint(s), or the soft tissue or musculature of the buttocks? Sometimes this is caused by misaligned or arthritic vertebrae in the lower lumbar spine, other times it’s caused by degenerating, bulging or herniated discs. There are many cases that result from pelvic inequality creating muscle spamming and imbalance that chokes the Sciatic nerve as it exits through a deep gluteal (buttocks) muscle called Piriformis. Then there are cases that are a combination of some of the above listed issues.

Conditions that cause sciatica:

  • Misaligned vertebrae (subluxation) in the lower lumbar spine create irritation of the nerve roots as they exit the spine. This is one of the most common causes of Sciatica.
  • Bulged or herniated disc(s) that creates pressure on a nerve root is also quite common.
  • Piriformis syndrome is the result of imbalance in the pelvis that creates abnormal spamming or imbalance of the piriformis muscle (a small muscle that lies deep in the buttocks, this muscle works the stabilize the pelvis) becomes tight or spasms, which puts pressure on, and irritates the sciatic nerve.
  • Spinal or intervertebral stenosis — This condition results from narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) or decreased size of the holes (foramen) between the vertebrae (intervertebral stenosis) from which the nerve roots exit the spine; creating a strangulation of the spinal nerve.
  • Spondylolisthesis — This is a slippage of a vertebra either forward (anteriolethesis) or backward (retrolethesis) so that it becomes out of line with the one above it, narrowing the opening through which the nerves and cord exist.

The only way to know for sure is to shoot X-rays (usually just 2) and perform a full exam. Dr. Staub will take the time to do so; all the while answering questions and communicating with you on all the findings that are revealed as they present.

Can Sciatica get fixed?

Every case is different; but the most important step in fixing Sciatica, is figuring out the cause of it. Most causes are completely resolvable. The first step is scheduling your appointment with Dr. Staub.

Also see you new Spinal Decompression Therapy that can be very effective in treating many causes of Sciatica.

Click to schedule an Appointment

… Or call 480.990.2663

It’s not advisable to wait, hoping it will go away, because generally the longer the irritation of the sciatic nerve occurs, the more nerve damage occurs making it harder to resolve the cause of the sciatica.

What can I do at home?

Stretches for Sciatica

Stretches help to regain or maintain good balance of the spine and full ranges of motion. Dr. Staub seeks to help you create better ranges of motion through more limber muscles and tendons. These stretches should be done before attempting a strengthening protocol. These stretches are a necessary part of your home regime of spinal care. Here is a video of the stretches that Dr. Staub recommends.

Myofascial stripping / bio-foam roll work for Sciatica

Supplements can help

Before beginning a therapeutic supplement program, check with your doctor or Dr Staub to determine if these are right for you. If your on medications check for interactions with your pharmacist before taking any of these supplements. These supplements are aimed at building healthier muscles, reducing inflammation, and treating pain.

All of out supplements meet or exceed GMP (good manufacturing processes / standardization)

Here are the supplements we have seen the best results with:

Nature’s Joint Relief by Divine Nature contains:
Zinc (as chelated zinc amino acid) 30mcg
Copper (as chelated copper amino acid) 75mcg
Manganese (as chelated manganese amino acid) 6mcg
Proprietary blend 2100mg
Glucosamine Sulfate 2KCl, Chondroitin Sulfate Sodium, Glucosamine HCL, MSM (methylsulfatemethane), Cayenne (frui)t, Yucca (root), Boswellia Serrata (gum) extract, Molasses
Divine Nature Enzyme Blend 7350mg
Protease I, Amylase, Protease II, Hemicellulase, Lactase, Peptidase, Cellulase, Maltase, Invertase, Lipase
Boron (as chelated boron amino acid complex) 30mcg
Other ingredients: cellulose, beet fiber, silica, magnesium stearate
Contains shellfish (crab, shrimp,and crayfish) ingredients.

Nature’s Inflammation Response by Divine Nature contains:
Vit C (from acerola cherry extract) 10mg
Zinc (as chelated zinc amino acid) 11mg
Copper (as chelated copper amino acid) 1mg
Manganese (as chelated manganese amino acid) 400mcg
Proprietary Blend 720mg
Bromelain, Boswellia Ext, Licorice (root), Tumeric (root), Cayenne Fruit, Valerian (root), Cat’s Claw (bark) Ext, Molasses.
Divine Nature Enzyme Blend 4900 units
Protease I 500,000 HUT/g, Protease II 5,000 HUT/g, Amylase, Lactase, Peptidase, Cellulase, Maltase, Invertase, Lipase, Serratiopeptidase
Other ingredients: cellulose, beet fiber, silica, magnesium stearate

Myocalm by Metagenics (natural muscle relaxation formula) contains:
Calcium (as calcium lactate) 50mg
Magnesium (as magnesium citrate) 100mg
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnate) 40mg
Flower 5.5:1 Extract,
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) 20mg
Root Extract