Sciatic Pain

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs down one or both legs from the lower back. While it can be treated by a medical professional, it is often self-diagnosable, and lab tests or imaging are rarely required. The condition typically results when a herniated disc or bone spur in the spine compresses the nerve. Pain generally originates in the lower back and radiates down the back of the leg. Sciatica most commonly affects one side of the body, although it can sometimes affect both sides.

Medications for pain relief, physical therapy, and Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (performed at our clinic) are common treatment options.

It’s important to note that "sciatica" is not a diagnosis in itself. Instead, it’s a medical term used to describe symptoms such as shooting pain, tingling, and numbness down the leg caused by an underlying back condition. The term “radiculopathy” is also often used to describe pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the limbs, with sciatica specifically referring to lumbar radiculopathy (originating in the lower spine).

Anatomy

The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body. Formed by five sets of paired nerve roots, it is roughly the diameter of a pencil. The nerve begins in the lower back and travels through the pelvic region. In most people, it runs under the piriformis muscle, which allows side-to-side movement of the thigh. From there, the nerve descends through the buttocks and along the back of the thigh. Smaller nerves branch off behind the knee and continue toward the feet.

Causes

Sciatica can arise from a variety of conditions, including:

    •    Herniated or bulging discs

    •    Degenerative disc disease

    •    Piriformis syndrome

    •    Pregnancy

    •    Spinal stenosis

    •    Trauma
These conditions can put pressure on the sciatic nerve or its roots in the lower back, triggering pain and other symptoms.

Symptoms

Sciatica symptoms can vary, but typically involve pain radiating from the lower back through the buttocks, down the leg, and sometimes into the foot. The pain may feel like shooting, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness. Symptoms can affect all or part of one leg, and pain can range from mild to severe. It may also make sitting, standing, or walking uncomfortable or difficult.

Treatment

Treatment for sciatica varies depending on its underlying cause. Medications may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is often used to help relieve nerve tension and inflammation, providing significant relief from sciatica symptoms.