Dufferin Family Chiropractic

Sciatica

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from your pelvis, through your hip area and buttocks and down each leg. The sciatic nerve branches into smaller nerves as it travels down the legs providing feeling to your thighs, legs, and feet as well as controlling many of the muscles in your lower legs. The term sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of this nerve.

What causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is actually a sign that you have an underlying problem putting pressure on a nerve in your lower back. The most common cause of this nerve compression is a subluxaation in the lower spine. Other common causes of back pain which can mimic sciatica include a bulging or herniated lumbar disc or Piriformis syndrome. Piriformis syndrome is when the muscle which lies directly over the sciatic nerve becomes tight and puts pressure directly on the sciatic nerve.

How do I know if I have sciatica?

Pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and or down the back of your leg is the hallmark of sciatica. Sciatica may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected leg. This pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to excruciating discomfort. Sometimes it may even feel like a jolt or electric shock is shooting down the leg.

How is Sciatica Treated?

The vast majority of the time, sciatic pain can be relieved and corrected through chiropractic care. if you or someone you know suffers with Sciatica or any pain...Get checked for Subluxation. You will be glad you did.

Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided in good faith for general information only. We make no representation or warranty of any kind for the information on the site.