Sciatica

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is the painful condition that occurs when the major nerve running down either leg gets impinged or inflamed. At the base of the spine the spinal cord splits into two large branches, know as the sciatic nerves, which serves to provide movement and feeling in the legs and feet. When there the muscles or bones of the low back or pelvis are out of alignment these nerves can get irritated or pinched, causing sometimes excruciating pain running down different areas of the leg. The types of misalignments that cause sciatica can be caused by a traumatic accident or fall, poor posture, or weakened and strained muscles.

Symptoms

The symptoms of sciatica are fairly straight forward; pain is the usual clue to this condition. However, because the condition originates in the low back rather than the legs there are more symptoms to be aware of; they are (in their entirety)

• Pain in the thighs (especially running down the back)
• Pain in the calves (especially running down the outward facing side)
• Numbness and tingling in the feet
• Loss of range of motion
• Pain in the tailbone area
• Weakness in the legs

Treatment and Recovery

Again, because this condition originates in the lower back, chiropractic treatment is an excellent option. Here at the Head Neck and Spine Center we have over 30 years experience helping patients recover from sciatica, using such treatments as spinal and hip adjustments, traction, heat/ice therapy, electromuscular stimulation, therapeutic massage, and physical therapy education. If the condition is diagnosed to be caused by something beyond the reach of chiropractic care we have a vast network of orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, pain management professionals, and imaging facilities at your disposal. If you have any of the symptoms listed above please call our office for a free consultation!