Research has found that individuals with disc herniation/s can have a delayed braking time when driving. After undergoing surgery these individuals showed significant improvement in braking time. Based on this information Dr. Jimenez looks at how individuals with functional sciatica, (often caused by a herniated disc) meaning they can move and operate a vehicle to a certain point without generating pain, however they often put themselves in extreme/awkward positions just to operate, could also have a delay in brake reaction time.  

Sciatic Nerve

The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that travels from the lower back down both of the legs and into the feet. Sciatica begins in the low back. The nerve roots in the lower spine come together and turn into the sciatic nerve. Sciatica happens when these nerves get pinched/compressed. This usually occurs from a herniated disc or when the spinal canal narrows called stenosis.

Symptoms

Typically, sciatica causes:

• Pain in the leg/s
• Shooting pain that goes down from the low back, through the leg, calf and sometimes into the foot
• Electrical pain running/shooting down the leg
• Burning pain
• Pain from slight movement
• Numbness
• Weakness

A car accident can cause sciatica, but now it seems that sciatica can cause an automobile accident because of delayed braking reaction time. People with sciatica that is present without pain often say there is a constant non-painful tingling, numbness, or numbing sensation along the leg that lets them know the sciatica is still there. This could be insufficient blood flow from wherever the impingement is happening. Keep in mind that there could be multiple areas of impingement. Just like the slow blood flow, they may find when they drive the impingement slows the motor-sensory signal and braking time to depress the brake pedal fast enough to avoid a collision.

Nerve Treatment

Sciatica can be treated non-surgically with:

• Chiropractic
• Physical therapy
• 24 to 48 hours of rest
• Over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Muscle spasms can be treated with heat or ice

  Patients with sciatica feel better with time, usually a few weeks. However, if pain continues, other forms of treatment can be discussed. A doctor or chiropractor may advise light exercise and therapeutic stretching. As recovery progresses they may give you exercises to strengthen the back and core. With new automobiles implementing automatic braking systems has helped significantly reduce accidents, however, there are still bugs to sort out. This is normal with these computerized systems. Reliance upon these systems, especially those with sciatica, herniated, or bulging disc/s, could be a dangerous combination, specifically when it comes to braking reaction time.

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Sciatica, Pain, Symptoms, and Causes

 

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Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require added explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*