Understanding Sciatica

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!