Sciatica can be an extremely painful lower back condition which can affect a person’s ability to carry out normal daily activates. Sciatic pain occurs when pressure is placed on the sciatic nerve or any of its nerve roots. This is an extensive nerve that branches down both legs. Thus, while pain is often felt in the lower back, it can also radiate through the backside and down one of the legs. Even the foot can be affected with numbness or tingling.

Botox as a Sciatica Treatment Option

Botox is a shortened form of Botulinum toxin. When this substance is injected into a nerve, it can cause it to be numbed or weakened temporarily. Because of this, Botox has been recommended as a means of dulling sciatic pain. While research shows that this may have temporary benefits, little is known about the side effects since this is an off-label use of the product and extensive testing has never been performed.

It is also a very temporary solution that at best can provide relief for a couple of months before another injection is needed. Again, the effects of long-term use are not known.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and and lower back pain and sciatica download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Your Upper Spine and Sciatica

How can sciatica have anything to do with your neck? That’s a good question. It all comes down to posture. A misaligned atlas (C1 vertebra) can result in problems throughout the back. This is because the atlas holds the head in a level position. When the atlas is out of alignment, the whole body compensates to keep the eyes level with the horizon. This is called the righting reflex.

One shoulder may drop followed by the accompanying hip moving out of position. If any of these adjustments to the spine place pressure on the sciatic nerve, the pain can occur in a hip, buttock, and leg even though the initial misalignment was in the upper neck. Correcting the original misalignment can allow the body to heal naturally over time providing lasting relief.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Nitzsche call our Orlando office at 407-578-2225.