What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is not a condition in and of itself, but rather a symptom that could be caused by a number of different conditions, such as: spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, piriformis syndrome, tumors, inflammation, and subluxations. Most frequently, however, sciatica is the result of a herniated disc, bulging discs, or slipped disc. These conditions compress or otherwise cause injury and/or irritation to the sciatic nerve, which is the nerve that runs from your pelvis down the back of your leg.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica symptoms can present themselves in a wide variety of manners. Generally, though, it is experienced as numbness and tingling or sharp pain on one side of the body, in the area of the low back, buttocks, hip, leg, or foot.

Because sciatica symptoms are usually caused by progressive wear and tear, as opposed to a traumatic injury, they typically start out mildly and worsen over time.

It is important to be aware that sciatica symptoms differ from progressive leg weakness and from any loss of bowel or bladder function. If either of these particular symptoms arise, this is a medical emergency and you should call 911 and seek care from your nearest hospital emergency room.

Chiropractic for Sciatica

A study reported in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found a "long term outcome advantage" of chiropractic care over standard medical care, for patients with certain types of sciatica. "The chiropractic encounter may have enhanced patients' self-efficacy motivation, leading to better coping abilities and better pain and disability outcomes." (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2001;24:543-51)

Treatment for sciatica depends on its cause. So it is important to have a careful neuromuscular examination by a qualified healthcare provider such as your chiropractic physician. Depending on your physical exam findings, other tests and exams such as blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, or an MRI may also be needed in order to rule out certain conditions.

Once the cause of your sciatica symptoms is identified, your chiropractic physician will develop a custom care plan to remove compression, irritation, and inflammation. This care plan may include chiropractic, physiotherapy, and/or rehabilitative care to fully address the structural cause of your sciatica. Further, if you are experiencing moderate-to-severe pain, then acupuncture or massage may be included in your care plan to help resolve that pain.

With conservative chiropractic care, the majority of patients we see in our office get better within a few weeks or months. Sometimes, however, sciatica can be severe and debilitating, requiring injections or even surgery to correct the cause of the nerve compression.

If you believe you are suffering from sciatica, you should always seek treatment from a qualified healthcare provider of your choice, such as a chiropractic physician. Although most people recover from sciatica, it is nonetheless very serious, and in rare instances, if not treated appropriately, it can potentially lead to permanent loss of function in the legs and pelvis.

Call us today at 773.878.7330 to schedule a physical examination for your Sciatica symptoms.  We are located in Andersonville with east street parking available.