Sciatica

Sciatica Q&A

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a painful condition that develops when one or both branches of the sciatic nerve – the nerve that extends from your lower back down each leg to your feet – becomes compressed (“pinched”) or irritated. It can develop as a result of spinal diseases or as a side effect of herniated discs, from repetitive motion injuries or poor lifting technique, or from poor posture or an unsupportive mattress. Sciatica can also develop in people who stand or sit for long periods of time each day.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Sciatica symptoms tend to be easily recognizable, and usually include:

• pain or dull aching in the lower back
• pain or aching in the buttocks
• pain or aching that extends down the leg
• numbness, weakness or tingling extending down the leg
• pain when standing or sitting

Symptoms can vary from one person to the next, and not every patient will experience the same intensity of symptoms. Sometimes, other spine-related conditions can cause similar symptoms, and having a physical exam and evaluation of symptoms is essential to determining if the cause is sciatica or another condition.

How does chiropractic relieve the symptoms of sciatica?

Chiropractic is aimed at helping the body “heal itself” by releasing impingements and compression in the spine that can cause symptoms to occur throughout the body. In sciatica, chiropractic treatment will depend in part on the cause of the nerve irritation and impingement, focusing on treating the underlying causes with techniques like chiropractic adjustments to relieve pressures and help the spine return to proper alignment, ice and heat therapy, gentle stretching and exercise techniques, and ultrasound. Before any type of treatment is applied, Dr. Lichy will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your spine and discuss your symptoms to determine the types of therapy that would be most beneficial in relieving the symptoms you're experiencing.