Let me tell you more in details about these sciatica problems then we'll cover the sciatica treatments.

SCIATICA TREATMENT
# 1- Piriformis Syndrome

This is the most common cause of sciatic pain and is created when pressure is placed on the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle. Muscle imbalances pull the hip joints and pelvis out of place and this change of position typically shortens and tightens the piriformis muscle, which then places pressure on the sciatic nerve which runs under the piriformis muscle the majority of the time...

However, it occasionally will run through or around the piriformis muscle. Whatever the case, muscle imbalances will cause major problems and are the underlying cause of piriformis syndrome.

Now to answer the question in the back of your mind at this point? What's this muscle imbalance she tells me about anyway...? When a muscle overpowers the opposing muscle, you have a muscle imbalance... When your muscles are out of balance they pull your bones and joints out of their normal position and this places your muscles, bones and joints under constant stress and uneven pressure...
For example, the position and curvature of your spine is determined by numerous muscles and whether they are balanced or not...There are over 640 muscles in the human body! Nearly every muscle in the body affects your spine and if just one of these muscles are out of balance you're in trouble...

And now you're asking yourself:

"So what the heck does this have to do with getting rid of sciatica?"

Here's a quick analogy that will show you how much alike the human body and an automobile are...

What happens when you drive your car with unbalanced tires or your steering out of alignment? Your tires will wear down unevenly and quicker than normal... and eventually you'll have a blow out... the same is true for your body!

It's critical for you to understand that your body alignment and mechanics are affected by your muscles and even the smallest muscle imbalance can, overtime, place tremendous amounts of uneven pressure and wear and tear on your body, especially the spine and its supporting muscles.

 SCIATICA TREATMENT
# 2 - Herniated Discs

Sciatica can also be caused by pressure on the nerve due to a herniated or bulging disc. A herniation is when a disc protrudes out from between the vertebrae and this can either be caused by an event like a car accident, or by months or years of uneven pressure due to muscle imbalances.

You should see the disc bulging out towards the right and pressing on the nerve...

This is the type of damage muscles imbalances can create when they are not addressed! Here's an example of a herniated disc... Now, take a quick look at this image... You should see the disc bulging out towards the right and pressing on the nerve...

This is the type of damage muscles imbalances can create when they are not addressed! And, unfortunately, no amount of ultrasound, electrical stimulation, medications, cortisone injections, general exercises or chiropractic adjustments can correct the muscles imbalances that have created your back pain or sciatica...

Nearly Every Herniated Disc Is The Result Of Muscle Imbalances!

Herniated discs are probably one of the most common diagnosis’s for sciatica out there and this diagnosis is often used when a doctor can’t find an explanation for the person’s pain… similar to a doctor explaining away various aches and pains as arthritis.

Plus, research has shown that in many cases, people live with herniated discs yet never have any back pain or symptoms. The point is, if you’ve been diagnosed with a herniated or bulging disc, it may not be what’s really causing your back pain! Even if you’ve had x-rays done that show a herniated disc, chances are still very good that it’s not the problem...

The problem is, even if you were diagnosed with a herniated disc, you have to understand that if you don't address what caused the disc to herniate in the first place, you'll likely struggle with back pain or sciatica for years.

Nearly Every Herniated Disc Is The Result Of Muscle Imbalances!

Here's a close up so you can see what happens to the spine when it's being pulled out of place...

When your muscles pull your spine out of alignment, the uneven pressure and compression on your vertebrae wear down your discs much faster than normal...
And it's very important to note that your discs are NOT designed to be subjected to this constant, uneven stress and that's why sooner or later they will begin to bulge or herniate...

 SCIATICA TREATMENT
# 3 - Spinal Stenosis

Sciatica can also be caused by pressure on the nerve due to a narrowing of the spinal canal. There are several possible conditions that lead to spinal stenosis:

The most important thing you can do if you are certain you have spinal stenosis is to ensure that you maintain as close to normal curvature in the spine. The more your spine is pulled out of place the tighter the space gets in the spinal canal... Identifying and addressing muscle imbalances is crucial!

SCIATICA TREATMENT
# 4 - Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

Sciatica can also be caused by Isthmic spondylolisthesis, yet is much less common. Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebrae slips forward and places pressure on the adjacent vertebrae. This condition will produce both a gradual deterioration of the vertebrae in the lower spine and can also cause a narrowing of the spinal canal.

If abnormal motion allows this vertebrae to move back and forth nerves in the spinal canal may be affected causing pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs. Many individuals who have this condition may not have symptoms while others may experience long term back pain and or sciatica.

Spondylolisthesis is most commonly located in the lower spine. The most usual cause is degenerative disease (like arthritis) and the slip usually occurs between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae where there is the most curvature in the spine. Muscle imbalances play a major role in two ways:

1. Degenerative diseases like arthritis are much more common in areas of the body where there is uneven pressure and wear and tear.

2. Muscle imbalances increase the amount of curvature in the lower spine making this condition much more likely to come about.

Other causes of spondylolisthesis include stress fractures (which are often caused by repetitive hyper-extension of the back, commonly seen in gymnasts)and traumatic fractures. It may also occasionally be associated with bone diseases. As with the other three conditions, muscle imbalances have a lot to do with spondylolisthesis.

Alternative Medicine Remedies for Sciatica Treatment

- By Mayo Clinic -

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to medical and health care systems, practices, and products that aren't currently part of conventional medicine — the care you receive in your primary care doctor's office. Many of these therapies are being studied intensely, and some have proved to help alleviate back pain.

 Acupuncture

This therapy is based on the idea that your health depends on a vital energy called qi — pronounced "chee" — that flows along pathways in your body. It's believed that when qi is blocked, disease and pain result and that inserting fine needles into specific points along the pathways unblocks energy flow and restores balance.

During an acupuncture treatment, you'll have hair-thin needles inserted into your skin. In most cases, you won't feel the needles — in fact, many people find the treatments extremely relaxing.

Research into acupuncture's safety and efficacy has been inconsistent. Some studies have suggested that acupuncture can help back pain, while others have found no benefit. If you decide you'd like to try acupuncture, choose a licensed practitioner to ensure that he or she has had extensive training.