What is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is a big nerve which runs in the posterior aspect of the leg all the way to the toes. Sciatica is a condition in which the sciatic nerve is irritated producing pain in the distribution of that nerve. Generally, any pain running down the back of the leg either to the thigh, to the calf or to the toes is referred to as sciatic pain.
As we can see this nerve has many roots and a trajectory which crosses the sacroiliac joint and traverses through many muscles. Although it is beneficial to identify the name of the nerve in question, it is largely incomplete. It is better to ask the question “why is the sciatic nerve affected?”. When this question is answered, treatment can begin.
How do you get sciatica?
Facet joints are the small vertebral joint that allow movement in various directions, when the joints in the vertebrae get pinched can also give pain in the sciatic distribution. This is called facet syndrome.
Sciatic pain can also be caused by disc issues. These can range from bulging discs, herniated disc or degenerated discs. Intervertebral discs are structures found between the vertebrae. They act as cushions and spacers to allow the nerves to exit from the spinal cord. When the disc is injured, it can cause pressure on the nerve producing pain in the sciatic distribution.
Treatment for Sciatica
A chiropractor is trained to examine a patient’s low back physically, orthopaedically and neurologically to determine the source of the pain not only the pattern itself. This important difference allows the treatment to be targeted to the appropriate area and render excellent results in the most effective and efficient manner.
Since not all conditions are amenable to chiropractic care, the chiropractors are trained to identify if chiropractic treatment is appropriate or if a referral is necessary.