Sciatica
Sciatica
Sciatica has different causes, different symptom patterns, and different treatment approaches. Sciatica is generally caused by compression or irritation of the nerves that come out of the lumbar spine or the sciatic nerve itself. Your Chiropractor will take a full case history, and a full Chiropractic exam to find the root cause of your symptoms and the best treatment plan..
Symptoms
- Leg pain
- Buttock pain
- Burning pain
- Shooting pain
- Leg Numbness
- Pins and needles in the leg
- Foot pain
- Foot numbness
- Pins and needles in the foot
Common Causes
Sciatica has different causes that include;
Lumbar Disc Herniation
When a disc protrudes or herniates it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve roots causing the above symptoms
Piriformis Syndrome
Approximately 15% of the population has a sciatic nerve that runs through the belly of the piriformis muscle ( the muscle that goes from the sacrum to the hip). When the muscle shortens or goes into spasm due to trauma, overuse, or poor posture, it can irritate or compress the sciatic nerve causing sciatica.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is where the vertebral canal begins to narrow due to degenerative changes in the bony structures of the spine. This places pressure on the sciatic nerve roots causing sciatica symptoms
Lumbar Facet irritation
When the facet joint is irritated, it can cause a dull ache in the lower back that can radiate into the buttocks, hips, and thighs. The pain can also travel down the leg, causing a sharp, shooting sciatica
Treatment
The treatment for sciatica depends on the cause.
Chiropractic care has been shown to be an effective treatment for sciatica
Chiropractic care can include
- Specific Chiropractic adjustments
- Specific exercises and stretches
- Postural and lifestyle advice.
