Sciatica

See sciatica or chiropractic and sciatica  for more information.

 

Sciatica—pain along the large sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back down the back of each leg—is a relatively common form of back pain.

 

Sciatica is usually caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve from a herniated disc (also referred to as a ruptured disc, pinched nerve, slipped disk, etc.). The problem is often diagnosed as a "radiculopathy" , meaning that a disc has protruded from its normal position in the vertebral column and is putting pressure on the radicular nerve (nerve root).

 

For some people, the pain from sciatica can be severe and debilitating. For others, the pain from sciatica might be infrequent and irritating, but has the potential to get worse. Usually, sciatica only affects one side of the lower body, and the pain often radiates from the lower back all the way through the back of the thigh and down through the leg. Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also radiate to the foot or toes.

 

One or more of the following sensations may occur as a result of sciatica:

 

• Pain in the rear or leg that is worse when sitting

• Burning or tingling down the leg

• Weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot

• A constant pain on one side of the rear

• A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up

 

While sciatica can be very painful, it is rare that permanent nerve damage (tissue damage) will result. Most sciatica pain syndromes result from inflammation and will get better within two weeks to a few months. Also, because the spinal cord is not present in the lower (lumbar) spine, a herniated disc in this area of the anatomy does not present a danger of paralysis.

 

Symptoms that may constitute a medical emergency include progressive weakness in the legs or bladder/bowel incontinence. Patients with these symptoms may have cauda equina syndrome and should seek immediate medical attention.

 

Any condition that causes irritation or impingement on the sciatic nerve can cause the pain associated with sciatica. The most common cause is lumbar herniated disc . Other common causes of sciatica include lumbar spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or isthmic spondylolisthesis .

 

Nerve pain is caused by a combination of pressure and inflammation on the nerve root, and treatment is centered on relieving both of these factors. Typical sciatica treatments include:

 

• Manual treatments for sciatica (including physical therapy and osteopathic or chiropractic treatments) to help relieve the pressure.

• Medical treatments for sciatica (such as NSAID's, oral steroids, or epidural steroid injections) to help relieve the inflammation.

• Surgery for sciatica (such as microdiscectomy or lumbar laminectomy) to help relieve both the pressure and inflammation may be warranted if the sciatic nerve pain is severe and has not been relieved with appropriate manual or medical treatments.

 

It may be necessary for specific diagnostic studies such as X-rays, CT or MRI to be performed in order to make a specific diagnosis.  Dr. Boer may need to referr you to an orthopedic or neurologic specialist, however, this is on a case by case basis only.

 

EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT :    The United States government evaluated treatments for low back pain and sciatica.  The results were outstanding and showed that Chiropractic treatments were rated as a better and more effective treatment for acute low back pain than medications.  So don't wait for your back pain or sciatica to become chronic.  All treatments are less effective once you wait due to the development of scar tissue and adhesions and chronic muscle spasms and instability.  Call now.