SCIATICA

Sciatica is a term used to define radiating pain located or starting in the lower back that radiates down into one or both legs.  It will follow along the path of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve itself runs from the lower back, originating from the L4 nerve root, but comprising L4 nerves through the S3 nerve roots. It can affect anywhere along the sciatic nerve, which starts in the lower back and radiate all of the way down to the calves, feet, and toes. Most commonly caused by a herniated disc, misalignments of the lumbar spine, bone spur, IVF encroachment, or degenerative disc disease.  Some cases will have what’s known as Piriformis syndrome, which is a different condition in which a small muscle will irritate the sciatic nerve, and originates in the buttocks.  

What Symptoms Can It Produce

  • May be a burning, tingling, or sharp pain.
  • Can also present as weakness or numbness.
  • Can vary in intensity from a mild pain to an excruciating and unbearable type pain.

What to Do

  • First and foremost, locating the origin of the nerve irritation is critical.
  • There are 3 major area’s that the sciatic nerve can become compressed and irritated.  
  • The first is its origin, the lumbar spine.  Spinal dysfunction anywhere between L3 and the Sacrum can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and lead to sciatica.
  • The second is the sacroiliac joint.  The sciatic nerve has fibers that run near the SI joints, and if the SI joint is misaligned or irritated, it can irritate the nearby nerves as well.
  • The third is the piriformis muscle.  The piriformis muscle is a small muscle belly that runs from the hip joint into the pelvis.  If this muscle becomes tight or dysfunctional, it can lead to irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs nearby the piriformis muscle.
  • Finding the exact source to the nerve irritation is the key step to treating it, because if you don’t identify the exact source, it’s hard to apply the specific treatment needed.
  • Visit your Chiropractor to have your lumbar spine and pelvis assessed for any misalignments.  This can identify if the source is coming from the spine itself.
  • Seek emergency medical care if you notice leg weakness or ANY loss of bowel or bladder function.
  • Remember that sciatica is an underlying condition with direct nerve irritation, therefore ice and/or heat may provide minimal relief until pressure is taken directly off the nerve.
  • Generally speaking, the sooner you take care of it the better.  
  • AVOID at all costs, sitting on an uneven surface or sitting on your wallet!
  • Try these exercises to relieve the problem, if no relief, seek a health professional immediately:

    1)     Cat/Camel
    2) Figure 4 Piriformis Stretch
    3) Tennis Ball to Piriformis
    4) Supine Bring Knees to the Chest
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