What is sciatica? Sciatica is the name given to the pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. This is usually caused by compression of the nerve in your lower spine and the level of pain can range from mild to severe.
One of the biggest confusions is that most commonly, sciatic pain is diagnosed as general back pain. However, sciatic pain is not limited to just the lower back. The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the human body, it runs from the lower back down the legs and ending just below the knee. This nerve controls several muscles in the lower legs and provides the sensations experienced by the foot.
What causes sciatica?
Sciatic nerve pain can be caused in many ways, however some of the most common causes are:
- An acute injury like a slip and fall
- Motor vehicle accident
- Repetitive wear and tear
- Disc bulge in the lower lumbar spine section
- Pressure on the nerve from a tight muscle within the affected area
What does it feel like?
When diagnosed correctly, sciatica is generally a symptom of another problem involving the sciatic nerve. Some patients have been known to experience pain shooting along the nerve as well as mild numbness and a tingling sensation in the feet and toes, sort of resembling that pins and needles sensation.
What are the treatments?
In general, chiropractors can will address the sciatica by relieving the pressure from the nerve and restoring normal motion with in
the lower back. This can be done by providing the patient with chiropractic adjustments and some soft tissue muscle release to the affected area.
Always keep in mind that prevention is key. Maintaining and building your core stability, stretching and regular chiropractic maintenance are vital to ensuring that pain is minimized if sciatica is ever experienced. If you are in the Ajax area or Durham Region and feel that you are suffering from sciatic pain we encourage you to make an appointment with us here at Somerset Family Chiropractic and have us asses your situation.