Sciatica

‘Sciatica’ defines as leg pain. The distribution is usually from the lower buttock region down the back of the leg to the knee and beyond. This pain may also be associated with numbness, pins and needles and weakness in the same distribution. There may or may not be lower back pain at the same time as sciatic nerve pain.

Sciatica has a variety of sources. The most severe sciatica originates from physical interference of the sciatic nerve as it comes out of the spine. A herniated disc or an osteophyte (bony spur) from spondylitis (spinal arthritis) are common triggers of sciatica. The sciatica associated with pressure on these structures is commonly unrelenting pain +/- numbness and pins and needles down the back of the leg beyond the knee to the foot.

A milder version of sciatica can occur when the connective tissue surrounding the sciatic nerve applies less direct pressure on the nerve. Spinal or pelvic joint misalignment can create this pressure through taught ligaments or muscles. The gluteal and piriformis muscles in the buttock, if tight enough can also create pressure on the nerve. This pain and / or pins and needles or numbness is not as debilitating and usually doesn’t travel beyond the knee.

Chiropractic treatment may provide relief for both forms of sciatica. The approach is to create space for the nerve via soft tissue release, mobilisation or adjustments of relevant joints and even gentle traction. Stretching and rehabilitation exercise prescription as well as nutritional advice (to perhaps help lower inflammation levels) are also part of the chiropractic approach to treating sciatica.