Sciatica is often a debilitating lower back pain and  described as pain over the low back and travelling down the buttock and or leg. There may only be pain going down the leg, and this could be down the back, side or front of the leg.

Sciatica is often described as a nerve pain, sharp in nature with pins and needles. Sciatica usually travels down one side of the leg, however certain conditions may cause it to affect both legs. Numbness and or weakness may occur in the foot.
Sciatica is usually very painful and movements such as bending, twisting and raising the leg are reduced due to pain. Prolonged sitting, sneezing, coughing, lifting, standing and travelling in the car often aggravate sciatica.

 

 

 

 

Why See A Chiropractor For Sciatica?

Chiropractors are a great place to start when you have sciatica-like shooting pain or associated symptoms such as leg or foot tingling, numbness or weakness. Chiropractors are specifically trained to identify the root cause of your sciatica symptoms and treat musculoskeletal concerns, using a gentle hands on approach.

Sciatica may develop from several sources including but not limited to:
. Muscle knots in the  piriformis muscle, known as myofascial trigger points.
. Spinal Lumbar facet joint fixations.
. Nerve irritation due to a disc bulge/ protrusion.
. Spondylolisthesis.
. Spinal Stenosis.

Chiropractors are trained in diagnosing Sciatica by completing a thorough physical examination including neurological tests (myotomes, dermatomes, reflexes) and orthopaedic tests (straight leg raise, slump test).
Imaging such as a CT scan or MRI may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Once your chiropractor has examined you and identified the source of the sciatica, then effective management can begin. They may also co-manage with your general practitioner ( GP).

Treatment depends on the cause of the sciatica.

Disc injuries are a common cause of sciatica and can often be alleviated by rest, ice, NSAIDS, massage, acupuncture and chiropractic treatment. More severe disc injuries may require surgery, however conservative treatment should be tried first.

Facet joint fixation and/or a tight piriformis muscle may produce symptoms of sciatica and are often relieved by chiropractic treatment. The piriformis muscle may aggravate the sciatic nerve, particularly in the 20% of the population where the nerve travels between this muscle. A history of heavy lifting or squats at the gym may have caused the piriformis muscle to tighten.

Our experience team of Chiropractors see adults with sciatica on a weekly basis. We are very confident in identifying and managing Sciatica. You can feel confident you are in the right place for the management of your back pain and or sciatica.