Lower back pain & sciatica

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back and runs down through the hips, buttocks, and legs, and branches off into smaller nerves that provide sensation and muscle control to the legs and feet.

Sciatica is usually caused by a herniated or bulging disc in the spine that puts pressure on the nerve roots that make up the sciatic nerve. This pressure can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected leg or foot.

Other causes of sciatica can include:

• spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal)

• degenerative disc disease (the breakdown of the discs between the vertebrae)

• spondylolisthesis (a condition in which one vertebra moves slightly forward in comparison to the vertebra below). 

What does treatment involve?

Treatment for sciatica usually involves pain management, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms of sciatica, as untreated cases can lead to more serious complications.

If you are experiencing lower back pain or sciatica, contact us today to find out how chiropractic care can help you.