Sciatica Q & A

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that causes inflammation and irritation of the sciatic nerve in your lower back. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in your body and runs from your lower back down the backside of both legs to your feet. When the sciatic nerve is irritated or pinched, you can experience the following symptoms:

• Numbness and tingling in your buttocks, hamstrings, calves, or feet

• Sharp, shooting pain down the backs of your legs

• Lower back pain

• Muscle weakness in your legs

• Pain that is worse when bending forward or backward

Sciatic pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that prevents you from exercising, walking, and even putting on shoes. In many cases, a course of chiropractic care can resolve sciatica symptoms and help you get back to normal.

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica has a number of different causes that can irritate or compress the sciatic nerve, including:

• Piriformis syndrome

• Intersegmental joint dysfunction

• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

• Facet syndrome

• Spinal stenosis

• Arthritis

• Herniated disc

• Lumbar radiculopathy

These conditions may cause direct pressure on the sciatic nerve, or they may interfere with the normal function of the joints and muscles in your lower back and buttocks. With a thorough exam, the practitioners at LIFEstrength can determine the cause of your sciatica symptoms.

How is sciatica diagnosed?

A physical exam is a primary way to diagnose the cause of sciatica. During this exam, your doctor begins by having you stretch forward, backward, lean side to side, and twist to determine any movements that cause pain. Your doctor then checks the range of motion of your lower back and the strength and flexibility of the muscles in the area.

They also use orthopedic tests that involve lying on your back or stomach while your doctor raises and bends your legs in different positions. These movements put tension on the sciatic nerve and may flare up your symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may order X-rays or an MRI to identify the cause of your pain.

Based on the exam findings, your doctor determines the cause of your sciatica and recommends a treatment strategy.

How is sciatica treated?

Sciatica is treated based on your diagnosis. Care may involve chiropractic adjustments, electrical stimulation, soft tissue work, or rehabilitation. Your doctor may also recommend exercises and stretches you can do at home to relieve your pain.

In severe cases, your doctor may refer you to an orthopedic specialist for further treatment.

We’d love to help put an end to your sciatica symptoms, reach out to LIFEstrength Health Center by calling the office at 239-774-5433 or scheduling an appointment through email at Staff@LIFEstrengthHealthCenter.com.