Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition where you feel pain that travels from your lower back down through your buttocks and legs. Usually, sciatica is caused by something pressing or irritating the sciatic nerve, which is a big nerve that runs from your lower back down both legs. This can cause different kinds of discomfort, like aching, sharp pain, or a burning feeling. You might also feel tingling, numbness, or weakness in one of your legs or even in your feet and toes.

Usually, this pain affects just one side of your body. It can be mild or really intense, making it hard to do regular activities like walking or sitting comfortably.

Symptoms of sciatica may include:

1. Lower back pain: Often starts in the lower back and can radiate down to the buttock.

2. Leg pain: Pain that travels down the back of one thigh or leg. It may feel like a shooting pain, burning sensation, or a constant ache.

3. Numbness or tingling: You may experience numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation along the nerve pathway, usually in the buttocks, leg, or foot.

4. Muscle weakness: Weakness in the affected leg or foot may occur, making it difficult to move or control the limb.

5. Worsening symptoms with certain activities: Symptoms can worsen when sitting for a long time, standing up, coughing, or sneezing.

What causes sciatica?

1. Disc problems: Herniated discs and degenerative disc disease can contribute to sciatica and sciatica-like symptoms. Both herniated discs and degenerative disc disease cause a build-up of mechanical pressure on the nerves that create the sciatic nerve, which is made up of nerves coming off multiple levels of the lumbar spine.

2. Spinal Stenosis: This is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, including the sciatic nerve. Stenosis can be caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, thickened ligaments, or bone overgrowth.

3. Spondylolisthesis: This occurs when a vertebra slips out of place and onto the vertebra below it. This misalignment can compress the nerve roots, including the sciatic nerve, leading to sciatic pain.

4. Piriformis Syndrome: The piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks, can sometimes irritate or compress the sciatic nerve as it passes beneath or through the muscle. This can cause sciatic-like pain, tingling, or numbness in the buttocks and down the leg.

5. Nerve Entrapment: Because the sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, there are many places along its path where it can become compressed between two body parts. Similar to piriformis syndrome outlined above, nerve entrapment syndrome is caused by a nerve getting trapped between and squeezed by two or more body parts, usually including muscles, ligaments, tendons.

6. Injury or Trauma: Injuries to the spine, such as fractures or trauma due to accidents, can lead to compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve.

7. Tumors or Growth: Rarely, tumors or growths along the spine or near the sciatic nerve can put pressure on the nerve, causing sciatic pain.

Chiropractic care can benefit sciatica patients by providing the following:

1. Spinal and Extremity Adjustments: Adjustments to the spine or extremity joints (outside the spine), can help restore function and alleviate pain. By applying controlled force to specific areas, adjustments aim to improve joint alignment, reduce irritation, and alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve.

2. Soft Tissue Therapy: This may involve massage or other soft tissue techniques to relax tight muscles and reduce tension in the affected area. It can help to alleviate the pressure on the sciatic nerve.

3. Exercises and Stretches: Exercises are essential for controlling and eliminating sciatic pain. Specific exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility will reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. These exercises are often aimed at improving posture and enhancing the stability of the spine.

4. Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice: Chiropractors may provide guidance on proper posture, ergonomic adjustments at work or home, and lifestyle modifications to prevent future episodes of sciatica.