Pain down the leg with or without tingling, numbness or weakness is often referred to as sciatica. The pain can start in the lower back and travel into the buttock and down the back of the thigh and leg and into the foot.

Sciatica is usually caused by irritation, pinching or trapping of the nerves that make up the sciatic nerve. It is the largest nerve in the body and is formed from the nerves in the lower spine. It then travels from the lower back, through the buttock and down the back of each leg. Therefore, when a nerve is irritated, the pain usually follows the path of that nerve and depending on which nerve root is involved, or how severe it is, the symptoms vary.

The most common cause of pressure or irritation of the nerves is from bulging or prolapsed discs sometimes incorrectly referred to as slipped discs. Other conditions such as Degenerative Disc Disease, Spondylolisthesis and Spinal Stenosis can also cause sciatic pain.

The nerve can become inflamed due to the direct pressure or from the changes in its chemical environment. This is usually reversible, however, if the nerve has been inflamed for a very long time or the pressure on it is very large, then permanent damage may result.

Not all pain in the leg is sciatica and it is often misdiagnosed. True sciatica requires there to be irritation of the nerve root/s that make up the sciatic nerve. Pain in the leg can also be referred from a joint, from the hip, a pulled muscle or tendon problems. Circulation problems can also cause leg pain.

It is important to understand the underlying cause of the sciatic pain and to get a proper diagnosis as effective treatment will need to address the root cause of the pain as well as easing the symptoms. The treatment program will differ depending on what is actually causing the problem.

Chiropractors are highly trained and qualified to assess your condition and examine you to help determine what might be the cause of your symptoms. They will then be able to advise you on how to obtain relief.

Sciatica most commonly results from direct pressure on a nerve, but any cause of irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve can produce the symptoms of sciatic pain. Often a particular event or injury can trigger the sciatica but usually it develops over a period of time.

When is sciatica serious?
Sciatica is rarely serious. However, if there is progressive leg weakness, bowel or bladder disturbance than urgent medical attention is required and surgery may be needed.

Chiropractors are highly trained and qualified to assess your condition and examine you to help determine what might be the cause of your symptoms. If your problem is not a chiropractic case, we will then refer you to your GP or an appropriate healthcare specialist.

If you are suffering from sciatica, why don’t you get in touch with us today?

Most people with sciatica feel better within a few weeks or months. For others, the pain can be severe and debilitating and they may take longer to feel better or may require surgery. Seeing a qualified person is important in determining the cause of your pain, how to reduce your pain and to check for any possible underlying serious medical issues.

As chiropractors, we focus on the spine and often use manipulation which can help free up stiff joints in your spine. Many patients report that this helps their back and leg pain. We also use a variety of other therapies, give specific advice on exercises and lifestyle or workplace and postural adjustments.

Your specific treatment will largely depend on the underlying cause of your problem and the severity of your pain. If we think we may be of help, we can recommend a suitable treatment plan. This will not only aim at relieving your pain and nerve symptoms as soon as possible, but address the cause of your problem as well. Once you start feeling better, we can then advise on how you can manage your condition and how to reduce flare ups in the future.

There are simple things you can do to help with the pain and speed up your recovery. Stay as active as you can and try to carry on with your normal activities. If this is too difficult, get moving as soon as you can and start gentle exercises. Follow any advice given to you, use ice or cold packs and watch your posture.

If you are suffering from leg pain, why don’t you get in touch? Relief may be sooner than you think.

Preventing sciatica from coming back largely depends on what is causing the sciatica. Maintaining good movement in your back and reducing the stresses on your spine can go a long way towards helping.

Having regular chiropractic check ups can help keep the joints in your spine moving better which in turn may reduce the chances of your problem returning. Doing the exercises prescribed, following the advice given and making small lifestyle adjustments will all help.

* The above recommendations are not a replacement for professional advice.