What Is Sciatica? Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Sciatica is a term that often comes up when discussing back pain, but many people may not fully understand what it means or how it affects the body. If you’re dealing with pain that radiates from your lower back down through your leg, sciatica might be the culprit. 

In this blog we’ll break down what sciatica is, what causes it, and how chiropractic care can provide relief. 

What Is Sciatica? 

Sciatica refers to pain that affects the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg. Sciatic pain occurs when this nerve becomes compressed or irritated, leading to a range of symptoms, most commonly affecting one side of the body. 

What Causes Sciatica? 

 Sciatica can be caused by various underlying conditions, including: 

 • Herniated or Bulging Discs: When the soft cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spine become damaged or displaced, they can press on the sciatic nerve. 

 • Spinal Stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the nerves, including the sciatic nerve. 

 • Piriformis Syndrome: The piriformis muscle in the buttock region can sometimes irritate or compress the sciatic nerve. 

 • Spondylolisthesis: This condition occurs when a vertebra slips out of place, narrowing the space through which the sciatic nerve passes. 

 • Injury or Trauma: Direct injury to the spine or lower body can lead to sciatic nerve compression. 

Symptoms of Sciatica:

  The hallmark symptom of sciatica is pain that radiates from the lower back or buttock down through the leg, sometimes reaching the foot. The pain can vary from mild to severe and is often described as sharp, shooting, or burning. Other symptoms of sciatica may include: 

 • Numbness or tingling in the affected leg 

 • Weakness in the leg or foot 

 • Pain that worsens with movement or prolonged sitting 

 • Difficulty standing up or walking due to pain The severity and nature of symptoms can vary depending on the cause and extent of nerve compression.  

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Sciatica?

Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive and drug-free approach to treating sciatica by addressing the underlying cause of the nerve irritation. 

Are you experiencing Sciatica? Call the practice today on 0403 258 582.