Sciatica
Sciatica can cause numbness or tingling that runs down your legs.
Pain associated with the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg is called sciatica. Sciatica pain radiates through the sciatic region, and usually affects only one side of the body.
The main symptom of sciatica is pain in the lower back region that runs down one or both legs. This pain can range from severe and constant to mild and infrequent.
In addition, some people may experience symptoms such as:
Pain in the buttocks or leg that becomes worse when sitting
A burning/tingling sensation down one leg
Constant pain on one side of the buttocks
Leg or foot weakness or numbness
Hip pain
Intense shooting pain that makes standing difficult
Common Conditions that Cause Sciatica
Sciatic pain is most often caused by a herniated or bulging disc at or near the point where the sciatic nerve leaves the spine, resulting in a pinched nerve. However, there are some other things which can cause sciatica:
Degenerative disc disease. This is a normal part of aging, but in some cases it can become more serious, resulting in a weakened disc and inflammation that irritates the nerve roots. In some cases this can also cause bone spurs in the spine.
Isthmic spondylolisthesis. This is caused by a tiny stress fracture that might not be noticed, except that it lets a vertebra slip forward on top of another, which can cause a pinched nerve.
Lumbar spinal stenosis. This is a narrowing of the spinal canal, and is relatively common in people sixty and over. It's often associated with arthritis, which can also contribute to symptoms.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction. When the joint at the bottom of the spine becomes irritated and compromises the nerve.
Pregnancy (the baby's weight puts pressure on the lower back, which can sometimes pinch the sciatic nerve, and it can also cause piriformis syndrome).
Sciatica tends to become chronic more often in older individuals due to age-related changes in the spine. Learn more about the common causes of sciatic nerve pain.
If you don’t take care of yourself, you could end up with a temporary or permanent disability that may make it hard to work or do everyday things.
Treatments for Sciatica
If you have sciatica it is important to get checked out. The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disk, which your chiropractor can help with. It can also be caused by other issues that your chiropractor can help with.
Some of the treatments recommended for sciatica pain relief include:
Select one of the treatments below that are available at Village Chiropractic:
Cold Laser Therapy
Massage
Spinal Decompression
Lumbar Traction
Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica
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Sciatica typically causes pain that travels from the lower back or buttock into the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve. Some people also experience burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness. Symptoms often affect one side of the body.
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Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve or one of the nerve roots that forms it becomes irritated or compressed. Possible causes include a bulging or herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative changes in the lower back, spondylolisthesis, and other conditions affecting the lumbar spine.
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Chiropractic care may help some people with sciatica, depending on its underlying cause. After evaluating your symptoms and spine, your chiropractor can determine whether conservative treatments such as adjustments, lumbar traction, or spinal decompression may be appropriate.v
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Both can cause pain in the buttock and leg, but the source is different. Sciatica commonly involves irritation of a nerve root in the lower spine, while piriformis syndrome involves irritation of the sciatic nerve near the piriformis muscle in the buttock. An evaluation can help determine the likely source.
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Yes. A bulging or herniated lumbar disc can irritate or compress a nearby nerve root that contributes to the sciatic nerve, potentially causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg.
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Treatment depends on the cause of the nerve irritation. Chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, lumbar traction, and other conservative therapies may be considered based on your examination and diagnosis.
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Recovery time varies considerably depending on the cause, severity, duration of symptoms, and individual patient. Some cases improve relatively quickly with conservative care, while others require a longer treatment period or referral for additional medical evaluation.
