The Premier Integrative Applied Neurology and Therapeutic Laser Center of Arizona

3 Most Common Causes of Sciatica

#1 Herniated Discs or Bulging Discs in the Low Back

Herniated discs are by far the most common cause of sciatica we see in our office. The most common symptoms associated with a herniated disc causing sciatica is often acute moderate to severe low back or hip pain with burning or pain down the back of one or both legs. Our patients describe that the only comfortable position is a combination of strange postures, leaning over and off to one side is often the only way to alleviate this shooting pain. 

The vast majority of disc herniations or bulging discs are treatable with specific and individualized combinations of chiropractic, non-surgical decompression therapy, neuro-orthopedic rehabilitation, low level laser therapy, biomechanics rehabilitation and anti inflammatory therapies.

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Side Note- Often in the acute phase, individuals end up in the Urgent Care and are prescribed muscle relaxers or pain pills that are effective approximately 50% of the time (with our patients at least). We’ve found our outcomes to be similar timeline and pain reduction as prescribed medications in the acute phase. The repair phase is where ACNC shines, ultimately addressing the underlying cause without surgery.

#2 Arthritis (aka Degenerative Disc Disease)

Arthritis of the spine is the 2nd most common cause of sciatica. This seems to occur in people starting in their 30’s. Long history of sports, repetitive stress, physical labor, previous car accidents and other injuries contribute to the majority of degenerative changes earlier in life. Symptoms are often compounded with poor spinal stability (neurological control over the spine muscles). This is often from a lack of exercise, poor neurological function, and poor diet causing inflammation.

The vast majority of degenerative discs causing sciatica and low back pain are treatable with individualized care, and our decompression program has done great for these individuals. It’s a combination of chiropractic, non-surgical decompression therapy, neuro-orthopedic rehabilitation, low level laser therapy, biomechanics rehabilitation and anti inflammatory therapies.

#3 Muscle Spasm

Muscle spasms account for the most common reason someone visits the chiropractor with sciatic like symptoms. Muscle spasms of the spine and hips, specifically the piriformis, are easily treated without any invasive treatments, and usually resolve quickly within a handful of visits.

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Janine Crifasi, DC, CCST

Dr. Janine Crifasi, our newest team member at AZ Chiropractic Neurology, is originally from New York – which explains the accent. She attended Life Chiropractic College West and was the Centennial class’s Most Outstanding Graduate. She practiced in the Bay Area until moving closer to family to raise her son who is attending college.

Dr. Janine is committed to learning and educating people to change their awareness about their bodies’ potential and empowering them with unique methods of retraining their brains to maximize their quality of life through neuroplasticity. Her passion to help others puts her patients at ease and makes her a highly sought-after community speaker. Prior to coming to Chandler, she owned a center specializing in kids with learning disabilities and served as the northeast clinical director of a functional neurology practice, overseeing several functional neurology clinics. 

She has completed her post-doctoral clinical neuroscience studies in Functional Neurology through the Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies and has successfully completed the clinical exam and is now board eligible for the written portion. She is a Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic for over 26 years. She has received additional extensive training in Spinal Trauma, and the Activator Method, and has a certification in Postural Neurology. 

In an effort to better serve her patients, Dr. Crifasi completed postdoctoral specialty training in blood chemistry, thyroid chemistry, brain chemistry, neuro-immune, and neuro-endocrine functional medicine. This knowledge of the brain-gut axis, and the mechanisms that impact our health, allow her to provide patients with easily implemented modifications enhancing improved lifestyle and nutraceutical recommendations as needed.