Sciatica, also known as radiculopathy, is a symptom of a problem along the sciatic nerve. The pain from sciatica can be excruciating and debilitating, sometimes making standing or sitting difficult or impossible.
Causes
- Sciatica is a set of symptoms, not the cause of the irritation.
- Lumbar disc herniation or slipped disc, a space-occupying lesion that compresses on the sciatic nerve.
- Spinal stenosis, pressure on nerves due to narrowing of the spinal canal
- Spondylolisthesis, posterior slippage of an adjacent vertebra constricting the nerve exit
- Degeneration, wear and tear of the lumbar spine
- Piriformis syndrome
Signs and Symptoms
- Shooting pain along the Sciatic nerve, pain travels from the lower back all the way down to the bottom of the feet
- Pain is described as dull, achy, sharp, toothache-like, pins and needles, or electrical
- Burning pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and tingling
- Pain varies in intensity and frequency
- Numbness in one or both legs
- Pain is excruciating and sometimes electrical in nature
- Patients cautious and apprehensive about coughing, sneezing or straining
Chiropractic Solutions
- Relieve the compression on the sciatic nerve and remove the irritation
- Soft tissue work to promote proper healing
- Strengthen the core muscles to ensure proper mechanics and stability
- Restore optimal joint alignment and function, taking pressure off nerves