Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the body, which causes it to be easily irritated. The symptoms of sciatica are pain, tingling, or weakness in the lower extremity that starts from the lumbar or pelvic region and radiates down the back of the leg to the foot.
There are many causes of sciatic nerve irritation or compression:
- Herniated or bulging disc compressing the sciatic nerve
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal cord or exiting nerve roots between each vertebrae) as a result of a disc herniation or degenerative disc disease
- Piriformis Syndrome which is a condition in which the piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttock region, spasms and pinches the sciatic nerve
- Pregnancy due to the extra weight and stress put on the spine, in addition of altered pelvic biomechanics which occurs as the baby grows
Although the pain associated with sciatica can be severe, the majority of cases resolve with conservative treatment within a few weeks. The most common treatment protocols for sciatica include:
- Chiropractic adjustments to realign and mobilize the spine to take pressure off of the nerve
- Decompression therapy to rehydrate and removed the increased pressure on the intervertebral disc
- Myofascial release to the piriformis muscle
- Rehabilitation to the core and pelvic muscles