What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a term for irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, a nerve that runs from your low back down the backs of your legs to your feet. Common symptoms of sciatica include:
- Numbness and tingling in the buttocks, legs, and feet
- Sharp, shooting pain down the backs of your legs
- Weakness of the muscles in the legs
- Buttock pain
- Lower back pain
Sciatica symptoms can vary in intensity and may range from mild discomfort to severe pain that prevents you from exercising, walking, or even putting on your shoes.
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica has a number of causes that either irritate or put direct pressure on your sciatic nerve. Common causes of sciatica include:
- Piriformis syndrome
- Pregnancy
- Disc herniation
- Lumbar radiculopathy
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Spinal stenosis
- Arthritis
Sciatica can also be an acute or chronic issue and may flare up or regress, depending on your activity level and tolerance to pain.
How is sciatica diagnosed?
Sciatica is diagnosed following a thorough consultation and physical exam. During your consultation, a team member asks about the history of your symptoms, their severity, and anything you’ve been able to do to make the pain better or worse.
During your physical exam, you’ll go through movements that check your range of motion, flexibility, and muscle strength. The team member also tests your flexibility while lying on your back and stomach, lifting your leg in the air and bending it at the hip or knee.
If necessary, the team orders X-rays or an MRI. Imaging may be performed at the start of treatment or later on if you’re not showing signs of progress. Once the team determines your diagnosis, they’ll provide treatment recommendations.
How is sciatica treated?
Treatment for sciatica will depend on your diagnosis. In cases of joint mobility issues, chiropractic adjustments can restore normal range of motion. If muscles or disc herniations are the cause, the team incorporates different types of stretches and exercises to strengthen your back and take pressure off of the sciatic nerve.
In severe cases or those that do not resolve with conservative care, the team refers you to an orthopedic specialist for further treatment.
Put an end to your sciatica symptoms today by calling or scheduling online at AllCare Chiropractic.
