Low back pain and/or leg pain that travels down the large sciatic
nerve, from the lower back down the back of each leg, is generally
referred to as sciatica and is fairly common. This pain can be caused
when a nerve root in the lower spine that helps form the sciatic nerve
is pinched or irritated.
Sciatica can be caused by pressure on the
sciatic nerve from a herniated disc (also referred to as a ruptured
disc, pinched nerve or slipped disc) in the lumbar spine. The problem is
often diagnosed as a “radiculopathy”, meaning that a disc has protruded
from its normal position in the vertebral column and is putting
pressure on the radicular nerve (nerve root) in the lower back, which
forms part of the sciatic nerve. Pressure on the sciatic nerve can also
come from having misalignment of lumbar vertebrae, long standing spinal
degeneration or a tight piriformis muscle (a muscle located deep in the
buttock).
Sciatica occurs most frequently in people between 30 and
50 years of age. Often a particular event or injury does not cause
sciatica, but rather it may develop as a result of general wear and tear
on the structures of the lower spine. The vast majority of people who
experience sciatica get better with chiropractic and physical therapy.
Understanding Sciatica Pain
For some people, the pain from sciatica can be severe and debilitating.
For others, the pain might be infrequent and irritating, but has the
potential to get worse. Usually sciatica only affects one side of the
lower body and the pain often radiates from the lower back all the way
through the back of the thigh and down through the leg. Depending on
where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also radiate to the
foot or toes.
One or more of the following sensations may occur as a result of sciatica:
- Pain in the rear or leg that is worse when sitting.
- Burning or tingling down the leg.
- Weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot.
- A constant pain on one side of the rear.
- A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up.
- Low back pain may be present along with the leg pain, but usually the low back pain is less severe than the leg pain.
While sciatica can be very painful, it is rare that permanent nerve damage (tissue damage) will result.
Since
sciatica nerve pain is caused by a combination of pressure and
inflammation on the nerve root, treatment is centered on relieving both
of these factors. Because not all sciatica has the same cause, effective
treatment plans will be individualized by your doctor of Chiropractic
and may include: adjustments, ice, ultrasound, muscle stimulation,
manual decompression therapy and massage therapy. Sciatica will resolve
faster the sooner it is treated-so don’t wait till you are in really bad
shape to help!
