Sciatica Treatment
Sciatica describes the irritation or pressure on the sciatic nerve, and is commonly caused by a herniated or bulging disc in the lumbar spine
The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest in your body, and it connects the spinal cord with the leg and foot. When a disc herniates, the outer layer ruptures and the interior of the disc bulges out of it. This in turn irritates nerves at the site of the bulge.
It causes pain, numbness, tingling sensation and muscle weakness that radiates from the low back and down the buttocks, thigh, calf, and to the foot.
There are 5 types of Sciatica:
- Sciatica from L4 nerve root (the L3-L4 level)
The patient may have reduced knee-jerk reflex. Symptoms of sciatica stemming from this level of the lower back may include: pain and/or numbness to the medial lower leg and foot; weakness may include the inability to bring the foot upwards (heel walk).
- Sciatica from L5 nerve root (the L4-L5 level)
The patient may have weakness in extension of the big toe and potentially in the ankle.
- Sciatica from S1 nerve root (the L5-S1 level)
The patient may have reduced ankle-jerk reflex. Pain and/or numbness to the lateral or outer foot; weakness that results in difficulty raising the heel off the ground or walking on the tiptoes.
- Pressure on the sacral nerve roots from sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Often described as a deep ache, inside the leg more so than a linear, well-defined geographic area of pain/numbness found in true sciatica.
- Pressure on the sciatic nerve from the piriformis muscle
Pressure on the sciatic nerve can tighten and irritate the Sciatic nerve (called Piriformis syndrome). Sciatica-like pain and/or numbness in the leg, usually more intense above the knee. It can mimic the signs and symptoms of sciatica pain from a disc herniation and is part of the differential diagnosis of possible causes of sciatica.
Chiropractic Care Has Shown To Be Effective In Treating Sciatica
“Two patients with sciatic neuropathy and confirmed disc herniation received chiropractic care. A follow-up CAT scan in the first patient revealed complete absence of disc herniation. A follow up scan in the second case revealed the continued presence of a silent disc bulge at the L3-4 level and partial decrease in a herniation at the L4-5 level. The bulge appeared to have shifted away from the nerve root.
Both patients' pain levels decreased from severe to minimal as they regained the ability to stand, sit and walk for longer periods without discomfort and lifting also became easier. They were able to return to full time work capacity at three and nine months respectively.”
If your sciatica is affecting you, visit any one of our clinics today to arrange for an examination. Alternatively, fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you soonest.
References
- Steven G. Yeomans. Sciatic Nerve Anatomy and Sciatic Symptoms. Spine Health.
- Richards GL et al. “Low Force Chiropractic Care of Two Patients with Sciatic Neuropathy and Lumbar Disc Herniation” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine.
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