Understanding Sciatica
Sciatica is a term we hear a lot as Chiropractors, with people using it in various contexts. Sciatica is actually a symptom of a condition, rather than a condition itself. It means “pain from the sciatic nerve” and is characterized by pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back and down the back of each leg.
The most common cause of sciatica is a disc injury, which occurs when the soft inner portion of a disc in the spine pushes out and compresses the sciatic nerve. Other conditions that can cause sciatica include spinal stenosis, which occurs when the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves; degenerative disc disease, which is the natural age related changes of the discs in the spine that can cause them to bulge or break down; and osteoarthritis, where bone spurs and inflammation can impact the surrounding nerves.
Piriformis syndrome is another condition that can cause sciatica-like symptoms. This is when the piriformis muscle in the buttocks spasms or tightens, putting pressure on the sciatic nerve. Other much less common causes of sciatica include spinal tumors, infections, and injuries.
Symptoms of sciatica can range from mild to severe pain and can be a sharp or shooting pain in the lower back or legs, a burning or tingling sensation, numbness or weakness in the affected leg, or difficulty moving the leg or foot.
Treatment for sciatica depends on the underlying cause of the condition, hence why having the condition assessed by a relevant healthcare practitioner is important.
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free approach that is often used to treat sciatica. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, including sciatica, through a variety of therapies.
Some of the most common and effective approaches to treating sciatica include:
Spinal manipulation and mobilisations to improve joint and nerve function.
Soft tissue therapies such as dry needling and massage. These help to loosen and desensitize muscles and can reduce inflammation.
Exercises, stretches and lifestyle modifications to address weaknesses and/or mobility issues.
Most cases can be managed with conservative care, however in more severe cases, injection therapy or surgery may be necessary as a last resort.
If you are experiencing sciatica, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and find the best treatment for your condition. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many people with sciatica are able to find relief from their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
