Sciatica is described as pain that radiates along the course of the sciatic nerve. The pain is most often down through the area of the buttocks and the back side of one or both legs to below the knee. It can occur with or without low back pain. Sciatica is a very common condition that usually has a very good prognosis with conservative treatment and therapy. The sciatic nerve is made up of five nerve roots from the lumbar area of the spine and is the largest nerve in the human body.
Much of the diagnosis is based on the subjective complaint from the patient. Orthopedic test and other exam findings will help confirm the diagnosis. Imaging, such as MRI and x ray films, may help find the source of the problem. One cause of sciatica is from disc herniation.
Disc herniation can occur when a spinal segment becomes so degenerated the disc is protruded outward. This outward protrusion can sometimes push out posterior and lateral to the spinal cord. When this happens pressure is applied to the spinal nerve root which can cause pain to radiate along the sciatic nerve. The spinal nerve root can also have pressure put on it from other conditions such as spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome and muscular trigger points.
The piriformis muscle is located in the hip to buttock area. When this muscle is in spasm or tightened for an extended period of time it can put a great deal of pressure on the sciatic nerve. Allowing this muscle to relax will help alleviate pressure from the sciatic nerve and ultimately reduce the signs and symptoms of sciatica.
There are many different options when it comes to treating sciatica. Although this is not the most recommended plan, one option is to wait it out and try over the counter medications to help reduce swelling and inflammation. Others decide to take an active approach to helping the problem. Seeing a healthcare professional who specializes in low back pain such as a chiropractic physician is a great place to start. Chiropractors are trained and licensed to treat conditions such as sciatica.
Other treatments consist of visits to a physical therapist, primary care physician or surgeon. Surgery is usually performed after more conservative methods of treatment have been attempted. Surgery may be required if the cause of the problem is from spinal stenosis or a disc protrusion that hasn’t healed with conservative treatment such as chiropractic care or physical therapy.
Sciatica is also very common with pregnancy. Pregnancy can induce these symptoms for several reasons, especially if there was an underlining problem beforehand. One cause is from the dramatic changes that occur within the pelvis. During pregnancy oxytocin is naturally released in the body to allow the joints of the pelvis to move more freely preparing the body for the birth of the baby. If there is either a muscle or a joint restriction in the pelvis during this time it may cause problems in the area of the sciatic nerve. This is a situation where chiropractic care can be very helpful. Chiropractors are trained to locate and release these restrictions that can cause pain during pregnancy. Many times after the baby has been delivered sciatic symptoms usually improve greatly.
Massage therapy may be of some benefit as well. Trigger points that build in the piriformis muscle or other muscles that put pressure on key points can be released sometimes by massage therapists.
Conservative treatment and therapies should be considered first when dealing with sciatica. If conservative treatment does not help then other more invasive procedures can be considered. Overall sciatica is usually a very common and easy condition to get help for.
Author Resource:
Dr. Ryan Marshall teaches Tulsa chiropractic information to his patients at his office Marshall Chiropractic. http://www.marshallchiropractic.com
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