What is Sciatica?
Sciatica describes persistent pain felt along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, down through the buttock, and into the lower leg. The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the body, running from the lower back through the buttocks and down the back of each leg. It controls the muscles of the lower leg and provides sensation to the thighs, legs, and the soles of the feet.
Although sciatica is a relatively common form of low-back and leg pain, the true meaning of the term is often misunderstood. Sciatica is actually a set of symptoms—not a diagnosis for what is irritating the nerve root and causing the pain. The actual cause of Sciatica can be one of many things, or a combination of things. Disc herniations, vertebral joint facet impingement (subluxation), and piriformis muscle syndrome to name a few, can all cause the symptoms of Sciatica. When treating Sciatica, it is most important to find the cause of the pain (symptom), and not just treat the pain(symptom) itself.
Sciatica occurs most frequently in people between the ages of 30 and 50 years old. Most often, it tends to develop as a result of general wear and tear on the structures of the lower spine, not as a result of injury.
What are the Symptoms of Sciatica?
The most common symptom associated with sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, from the lower back and down one leg; however, symptoms can vary widely depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected. Some may experience a mild tingling, a dull ache, or even a burning sensation, typically on one side of the body.
Some patients also report:
- A pins-and-needles sensation, most often in the toes or foot
- Numbness or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot
Pain from sciatica often begins slowly, gradually intensifying over time. In addition, the pain can worsen after prolonged sitting, sneezing, coughing, bending, or other sudden movements.
How is Sciatica Diagnosed?
An MCR Chiropractic, your chiropractor will begin by taking a complete patient history. You’ll be asked to describe your pain and to explain when the pain began, and what activities lessen or intensify the pain. Forming a diagnosis will also require a physical and neurological exam, in which your chiropractor will pay special attention to your spine and legs. You may be asked to perform some basic activities that will test your sensory and muscle strength, as well as your reflexes. For example, you may be asked to lie on an examination table and lift your legs straight in the air, one at a time.
In some cases, your chiropractor may recommend diagnostic imaging, such as an x-ray, MRI, or CT scan. Diagnostic imaging may be used to rule out a more serious condition, such as a tumor or infection, and can be used when patients with severe symptoms fail to respond to six to eight weeks of conservative treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica
What is sciatica?
Sciatica describes symptoms caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or the nerve roots that form it. The sciatic nerve begins in the lower back and travels through the buttock and down the leg. Sciatica can cause sharp or burning pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels from the lower back or buttock into the thigh, calf, or foot.
A herniated disc, spinal stenosis, and other changes in the lower back can contribute to sciatica. Several conditions can also cause similar hip or leg symptoms. Your chiropractor can evaluate where you feel symptoms, which movements affect them, and whether neurological changes are present to determine whether your symptoms appear consistent with sciatica.
Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?
Chiropractic care may help some people with sciatica, depending on what is contributing to their symptoms. Your expert chiropractor can evaluate your lower back and hips along with your strength, sensation, reflexes, and the movements or positions that change your symptoms.
Your custom-tailored plan of care may include spinal manipulation or mobilization, soft tissue techniques, movement recommendations, and exercises when appropriate. MCR Chiropractic individualizes care around your clinical findings, daily activities, and healthcare goals rather than treating every person with sciatica the same way. As your partner in health, your chiropractor can also identify symptoms that warrant evaluation by another healthcare provider.
Why does sciatica pain travel down my leg?
Sciatica can travel down your leg because the affected nerves begin in your lower spine and continue into your lower extremity. When a nerve root in your lower back becomes irritated, you may experience symptoms along the areas supplied by that nerve rather than only feeling discomfort in your back.
That is why a lower back condition can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your buttock, thigh, calf, or foot. Your MCR chiropractor can assess the location and behavior of your symptoms along with your strength, sensation, and movement. These findings help determine which nerve structures may be involved and whether conservative chiropractic care is appropriate.
Is sciatica caused by a herniated disc?
A herniated disc is one possible cause of sciatica, but it is not the only cause. Spinal stenosis, age-related changes in the spine, and other conditions can affect a nerve root in the lower back. Inflammation around a nerve may also contribute to symptoms.
Your chiropractor can evaluate whether your symptoms appear nerve-related and identify movements or positions that make them better or worse. If a disc-related condition appears to contribute, your individual plan of care may focus on improving movement, managing musculoskeletal symptoms, and helping you remain appropriately active. Your chiropractor can recommend additional medical evaluation if your findings suggest that conservative chiropractic care is not appropriate.
Should I rest if I have sciatica?
Complete or prolonged rest is generally not recommended for uncomplicated sciatica. Extended inactivity can contribute to muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and reduced tolerance for everyday movement. Many people can remain appropriately active while temporarily changing activities that significantly increase their leg symptoms.
Your expert chiropractor can help you determine which movements you can continue and which activities may need temporary modification. Your plan of care may also include exercises or movement strategies based on your examination. As your tolerance improves, your chiropractor can help you gradually increase activity instead of waiting for every symptom to disappear before you begin moving again.
When is sciatica serious enough to need immediate care?
Most sciatica can begin with a routine musculoskeletal evaluation, but certain symptoms require immediate medical attention. Seek urgent care if your leg symptoms occur with new loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness around your groin or inner thighs, or rapidly progressing leg weakness. These symptoms may indicate significant compression of nerves at the bottom of the spinal canal.
Prompt medical evaluation may also be appropriate if symptoms follow major trauma or occur with fever, unexplained weight loss, or other significant medical changes. Your MCR chiropractor can determine when your symptoms are appropriate for conservative chiropractic care and when another healthcare provider should evaluate them.
What are my Treatment Options?
For most people, sciatica responds very well to conservative care, including chiropractic. Keeping in mind that sciatica is a symptom and not a stand-alone medical condition, treatment plans will often vary depending on the underlying cause of the problem.
Chiropractic offers a non-invasive (non-surgical), drug-free treatment option. The goal of chiropractic is to restore spinal movement, thereby improving function while decreasing pain and inflammation. Depending on the cause of sciatica, a chiropractic treatment plan may cover several different treatment methods including, but not limited to spinal adjustments, myofascial treatments, ice/heat therapy, ultrasound, muscle stimulation (e-stim), and stretching and strengthening exercises. An “Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure”. While it’s not always possible to prevent sciatica, consider these suggestions to help protect your back and improve your spinal health.
- Maintain a healthy diet and weight
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain proper posture
- Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest
- If you smoke, seek help to quit
- Use good body mechanics when lifting
Chiropractic Can Help With Your Sciatica
If you need lower sciatica pain relief in MA, the chiropractic professionals at MCR Chiropractic are ready to assist you. With 19 convenient locations , we are sure to have an office close to you. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us today or request an appointment online.
We serve at these locations: Attleboro, Braintree, Brockton, Dorchester, Fall River, Newton, Norwell, Pembroke, Quincy, Raynham, Saugus, Somerset, Stoughton, Taunton, Walpole, West Roxbury, Weymouth, and Wrentham.
Reach any of the locations nearest MCR Chiropractic clinic today for an appointment.