What is sciatica?
Sciatica is most commonly termed for pain that follows along the leg and foot. This pain is often described as sharp, shooting, tingling or numb, burning sensations, sometimes a dull and aching, throbbing or cramping(Charley horse).
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica is a frequent issue experienced by pregnant women and individuals involved in car accidents. Other factors contributing to this condition include slip and fall accidents, repetitive strain from prolonged sitting in one position for many years, disc herniation, boney spurs from arthritis, or sudden movements causing muscle spasms.
ANATOMY: Sciatica occurs when there is pinching on the Sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is comprised of nerve roots from L4, L5, S1, S2, S3.
Lets talk about this... L4-S3 nerve roots, they come out the spine in the lower back and tail bone areas. They are spinal nerves that split( like roots on a plant) so the muscles in the back of the legs and feet can function normally, like walking. The thickest part of this nerve is in the buttocks, passing through a muscle called piriformis. The buttock is the one of the most common area of concern when patients complain of sciatica, with a referred pain into the leg, can also be termed as piriformis syndrome.
What most patients don't realize is the pain that is in the leg, can be a referred pain, without the pinching in the buttock, with a cause that is in relation to the spine.
Treatment: Chiropractic care and Sciatica
Chiropractor will determine the cause of sciatica. Is the nerve being pinched in the lower back or sacrum? Is the sciatic nerve pinched? Is it a specific nerve root that is pinched? or is there an external cause of pinching of the nerve- like a tumor pressing on the nerve?
A chiropractor will perform a detailed exam, including orthopedic, neurologic and postural/functional, as well as proper imaging to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Home care will also be provided as tolerated.
I, Dr. Himani Patel, have helped so many patients with sciatica and low back pain through chiropractic care. Schedule a free consultation so see if chiropractic care is for you! Please check out our reviews through the website, google and yelp pages.
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