Sciatica - What You Need To Know + Tips For Relief

Have you ever had pain radiate from your low back, through your hips, and down one leg? If so, you may have experienced sciatica.

WHAT IS SCIATICA?

The sciatic nerve runs down the length of each leg, starting in your low back and ending at the heels of your feet. Sciatica is a term used to describe the pain caused by irritation of that nerve.

Sciatica is different from low back pain in that it results from the sciatic nerve, rather than the spine. This nerve serves an important function, affecting the hamstrings, calf muscles, lower leg muscles, and some foot muscles. In many cases, the pain gets worse with twisting, bending, sneezing or coughing.

WHAT CAUSES SCIATIC PAIN?

Researchers estimate that 90 per cent of cases are caused by a herniated disc where the nerve root is compressed – something that may occur as a result of an injury, or age-related wear and tear. 

Other possible causes include lumbar stenosis, or piriformis syndrome.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SCIATICA?

Patients most often complain about pain radiating down the back of their leg, reducing their mobility.

WHO IS MOST AT RISK FOR SCIATICA?

There are certain risk factors that increase the chance of developing sciatica.

These include:

·         Age

·         Height

·         Mental stress

·         Cigarette smoking

In addition, certain occupations are predisposed to sciatic nerve pain, including machine operators and truck drivers.

HOW IS SCIATICA DIAGNOSED?

When a patient complains of pain radiating down their leg, a chiropractor will typically conduct a full history and physical examination to determine whether the sciatic nerve is to blame.

HOW IS SCIATIC TREATED?

When sciatica strikes, there are conservative chiropractic treatment options available.  These may include:

·         Mechanical traction

·         Spinal manipulation and mobilization

·         Soft tissue techniques

·         Laser therapy

·         Acupuncture

·         Ice/heat application

·         Electrotherapy

·         Rehabilitative exercise

 

WHAT CAN YOU DO AT HOME?

Talk to your chiropractor to ensure you are doing everything you can to improve your condition at home. He or she may recommend one or more of the following:

·         Use hot and cold packs for comfort

·         Avoid sitting or standing for long periods

·         Practice good posture

·         Improve your core strength through exercise

·         Gently stretch out your lower back and hamstrings

·         Take a walk regularly, go swimming, or try aqua fitness

·         Use the proper technique when lifting heavy objects

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT SCIATICA?

You can reduce the chances of developing sciatica by exercising regularly and paying attention to your posture.

Try the following exercises if you’re looking for inspiration, but the most important thing is to find an activity you enjoy:

·         Walking

·         Jogging

·         Swimming

·         Cycling

·         Dancing

·         Strength training

·         Yoga

·         Tai Chi

·         Pilates

Chiropractors are spine, muscle, and nervous system experts who provide effective treatment to promote health, alleviate pain, and improve your quality of life.

If you’re struggling with sciatica and want relief, visit one of our chiropractors today.

And remember – you can always ask questions and take an active role in your recovery.

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Understanding Sciatica

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body.  It is made up of five separate nerve roots originating from the low back region on each side, and runs from your pelvis through your buttock and hip area and into each leg.  It controls many of the muscles in your legs and provides feeling to your thighs, lower legs and feet.

"Sciatica" is a common term used to describe any type of pain/symptom that radiates into the leg.  "True sciatica" occurs when there is a mechanical and/or inflammatory irritation directly affecting any component of the sciatic nerve.  This differs from “referred” pain/symptoms which can arise from a bone, joint or muscle that can send pain/symptoms into the leg.

True sciatic symptoms may be felt almost anywhere along the nerve pathway.  These symptoms can radiate from the low back region, into the hip or buttock, and down the leg, into the calf, and even the toes.  The symptoms can vary widely and may include:  a cramping or achy feeling, tightness, burning or a sharp electric shock sensation, numbness, tingling, and leg muscle weakness.  The symptoms may start gradually and intensify over time.  Activities such as bending forward or to the side, walking, prolonged sitting or standing, and even coughing or sneezing may aggravate sciatica.

Below is a brief summary of three common causes of true sciatica:

1.  Spinal disc herniation/bulge – Spinal discs separate and cushion lumbar vertebra.  Repetitive and cumulative loads or a single heavy load has the potential to cause a disc bulge or herniation, thereby causing a mechanical and/or inflammatory irritation of the nerve root(s).  This most commonly occurs in adults aged 20-50.

2.  Degeneration and Osteoarthritis – The normal aging process causes lumbar disc degeneration, osteoarthritis of lumbar joints, and occasionally vertebral slippage.  The consequence of these processes is that mechanical irritation from bony spurs and vertebrae, along with inflammation can cause symptoms of sciatica.  This most commonly occurs in adults over 50.

3.   Lumbar spinal stenosis – This condition causes sciatica due to narrowing of the spinal canal and/or nerve pathways.  This puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots and causes neurovascular irritation.  This most commonly occurs in adults over 60.  It is usually secondary to degeneration and osteoarthritis.

Other causes of "true sciatica" include: direct irritation of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle; direct trauma or injury to the sciatic nerve or nerve roots; and postural and mechanical changes associated with pregnancy.  Some common causes of sciatic-like symptoms or "referred" pain include: muscular trigger points and ligament sprains from the low back, hip, gluteal and pelvic regions; sacroiliac joint dysfunction; and arthritic low back, hip and knee joints.

Sciatica is a set of symptoms of a problem, rather than a diagnosis for what is irritating the nerve and causing the pain.  This is an important point to consider because the treatment for sciatica will often be different depending on the underlying cause of the symptoms.  Therefore, it is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis from a qualified health professional.

When sciatica strikes, there are conservative treatment options available.  These may include: mechanical traction, spinal manipulation and mobilization, soft tissue techniques, laser therapy, acupuncture, ice/heat application, electrotherapy, and rehabilitative exercise.  A qualified health professional can determine the cause of your sciatica and prescribe appropriate therapy, exercises, and rehabilitation strategies specifically for your circumstance.  For more information, visit www.nhwc.ca.

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.

Understanding Sciatica

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body.  It is made up of five separate nerve roots originating from the low back region on each side, and runs from your pelvis through your buttock and hip area and into each leg.  It controls many of the muscles in your legs and provides feeling to your thighs, lower legs and feet.

"Sciatica" is a common term used to describe any type of pain/symptom that radiates into the leg.  "True sciatica" occurs when there is a mechanical and/or inflammatory irritation directly affecting any component of the sciatic nerve.  This differs from “referred” pain/symptoms which can arise from a bone, joint or muscle that can send pain/symptoms into the leg.

True sciatic symptoms may be felt almost anywhere along the nerve pathway.  These symptoms can radiate from the low back region, into the hip or buttock, and down the leg, into the calf, and even the toes.  The symptoms can vary widely and may include:  a cramping or achy feeling, tightness, burning or a sharp electric shock sensation, numbness, tingling, and leg muscle weakness.  The symptoms may start gradually and intensify over time.  Activities such as bending forward or to the side, walking, prolonged sitting or standing, and even coughing or sneezing may aggravate sciatica.

Below is a brief summary of three common causes of true sciatica:

1.    Spinal disc herniation/bulge – Spinal discs separate and cushion lumbar vertebra.  Repetitive and cumulative loads or a single heavy load has the potential to cause a disc bulge or herniation, thereby causing a mechanical and/or inflammatory irritation of the nerve root(s).  This most commonly occurs in adults aged 20-50.

2.    Degeneration and Osteoarthritis – The normal aging process causes lumbar disc degeneration, osteoarthritis of lumbar joints, and occasionally vertebral slippage.  The consequence of these processes is that mechanical irritation from bony spurs and vertebrae, along with inflammation can cause symptoms of sciatica.  This most commonly occurs in adults over 50.

3.    Lumbar spinal stenosis – This condition causes sciatica due to narrowing of the spinal canal and/or nerve pathways.  This puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots and causes neurovascular irritation.  This most commonly occurs in adults over 60.  It is usually secondary to degeneration and osteoarthritis.

Other causes of "true sciatica" include: direct irritation of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle; direct trauma or injury to the sciatic nerve or nerve roots; and postural and mechanical changes associated with pregnancy.  Some common causes of sciatic-like symptoms or "referred" pain include: muscular trigger points and ligament sprains from the low back, hip, gluteal and pelvic regions; sacroiliac joint dysfunction; and arthritic low back, hip and knee joints.

Sciatica is a set of symptoms of a problem, rather than a diagnosis for what is irritating the nerve and causing the pain.  This is an important point to consider because the treatment for sciatica will often be different depending on the underlying cause of the symptoms.  Therefore, it is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis from a qualified health professional.

When sciatica strikes, there are conservative treatment options available.  These may include: mechanical traction, spinal manipulation and mobilization, soft tissue techniques, laser therapy, acupuncture, ice/heat application, electrotherapy, and rehabilitative exercise.  A qualified health professional can determine the cause of your sciatica and prescribe appropriate therapy, exercises, and rehabilitation strategies specifically for your circumstance.  For more information, visit www.nhwc.ca.

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.

Sciatica - Too Broad A Term For Leg Pain

By Dr. R. Greg Lusk, DC

 

Over the years I have listened to many patients tell me that they have "sciatica".  Either they think they do based on what they found after a Google search, another healthcare professional has told them that they do, or a well-intentioned friend or family member has made the suggestion.  Sciatica is a term often used broadly to refer to pain or other symptoms, such as tingling or numbness, in one or both legs.  However, it is often used incorrectly to describe pain from another nerve and in and of itself offers very little value in understanding the source of one's symptoms.  It's similar to being told that you have tendonitis.  Tendons attach muscles to bones, and because we have many muscles we also have many tendons.  Saying that you have an inflamed tendon ("itis" = inflammation) doesn't inform someone where certain treatments (e.g. laser/ultrasound/soft tissue therapies) should be applied or what actions/exercises should be avoided, or done, to assist with recovery.  The same holds true for sciatica, but understanding the source is crucial to successfully managing the condition.

 

The sciatic nerve is like the trunk of a tree.  There are various roots that come together to form the "trunk" and then the trunk offers up many branches.  This nerve is the longest and widest in the entire body and forms deep in the pelvis as 5 nerve roots (L4&5,S1,2,3) come together.  It exits the back of the pelvis through deep buttock muscles and then runs down the back of the leg where it distributes its various branches.  It is responsible for sensation of the skin on the back of the thigh, the outside front and back of the calf, and most of the foot.  It does not supply the inside, front, or outside parts of the thigh, or the inside of the shin and foot.  Therefore, if that is where your symptoms are, you do not have "sciatica".  Furthermore, the sciatic nerve is the power source for the muscles on the back of the thigh (i.e. hamstrings) and all muscles of the shin and foot.

 

If you do have symptoms in the correct area(s) the question still remains - "Where is the source of irritation?"  Frequently, where you feel symptoms (i.e. the leg) is not where the problem is and often pain relieving efforts are directed at the smoke but not the fire.  Often a nerve root in the back is the site of irritation and this is more properly named a radiculopathy.  This could be due to spinal disc degeneration and resulting arthritic changes (a.k.a. stenosis), a disc bulge/herniation, or slippage/excessive movement between vertebrae (spondylo-listhesis).  Sorry for the tongue-twisting mouthful!  In each case, the management of symptoms could involve aspects that are quite different.  For instance, disc bulges often respond best to exercises where you bend backward whereas relief from stenosis symptoms usually occurs by bending forward.  This illustrates why "sciatica" as a diagnosis doesn't really cut it while something like "L4/5 Disc Bulge with a right L5 Radiculopathy" is much more informative.  Furthermore, this doesn't even consider the fact that muscles and joints, namely the sacro-iliac (SI) joint or hip joint, other soft tissues (e.g. bursae), or irritation to the sciatic nerve and its branches along its path, can refer symptoms into the leg as well.

 

Differentiating the cause of your "sciatica" is empowering as it clarifies what activities you should refrain from or participate in, providing you with a sense of control over your symptoms. 

 

This article is for general information purposes only and is not to be taken as professional medical advice.

 

Understanding Sciatica

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

 

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body.  It is made up of five separate nerve roots originating from the low back region on each side, and runs from your pelvis through your buttock and hip area and down the back of each leg.  It controls many of the muscles in your legs and provides feeling to your thighs, lower legs and feet.

 

"Sciatica" is a common term used to describe any type of pain/symptom that radiates into the leg.  "True sciatica" occurs when there is a mechanical and/or inflammatory irritation directly affecting any component of the sciatic nerve.  This differs from “referred” pain/symptoms which can arise from a bone, joint or muscle that can send pain/symptoms into the leg.

 

True sciatic symptoms may be felt almost anywhere along the nerve pathway.  These symptoms can radiate from the low back region, into the hip or buttock, and down the leg, into the calf, and even the toes.  The symptoms can vary widely and may include:  a cramping or achy feeling, tightness, burning or a sharp electric shock sensation, numbness, tingling, and leg muscle weakness.  The symptoms may start gradually and intensify over time.  Activities such as bending forward or to the side, walking, prolonged sitting or standing, and even coughing or sneezing may aggravate sciatica.

 

Below is a brief summary of three common causes of true sciatica:

 

1.    Spinal disc herniation/bulge – Spinal discs separate and cushion lumbar vertebra.  Repetitive and cumulative loads or a single heavy load has the potential to cause a disc bulge or herniation, thereby causing a mechanical and/or inflammatory irritation of the nerve root(s).  This most commonly occurs in adults aged 20-50.

 

2.    Degeneration and Osteoarthritis – The normal aging process causes lumbar disc degeneration, osteoarthritis of lumbar joints, and occasionally vertebral slippage.  The consequence of these processes is that mechanical irritation from bony spurs and vertebrae along with inflammation can cause symptoms of sciatica.  This most commonly occurs in adults over 50.

 

3.    Lumbar spinal stenosis – This condition causes sciatica due to narrowing of the spinal canal and/or nerve pathways.  This puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots and causes neurovascular irritation.  This most commonly occurs in adults over 60.  It is usually secondary to degeneration and osteoarthritis.

 

Other causes of true sciatica include: direct irritation of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle; direct trauma or injury to the sciatic nerve or nerve roots; and postural and mechanical changes associated with pregnancy.  Some common causes of sciatic-like symptoms or referred pain include: muscular trigger points and ligament sprains from the low back, hip, gluteal and pelvic regions; sacroiliac joint dysfunction; and arthritic low back, hip and knee joints.

 

Sciatica is a set of symptoms of a problem, rather than a diagnosis for what is irritating the nerve and causing the pain.  This is an important point to consider because the treatment for sciatica will often be different depending on the underlying cause of the symptoms.  Therefore, it is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis.  A proper medical history, along with physical examination consisting of range of motion, strength, neurological and orthopaedic testing, along with diagnostic imaging (if necessary) should be performed to aid in the diagnosis.  It is extremely important to rule out rare causes of sciatic symptoms such as spinal tumors and infections.  Individuals with a loss of bowel or bladder control may be experiencing cauda equina syndrome and should be referred for emergency care.

 

When sciatica strikes, there are conservative treatment options available.  These may include: mechanical traction, spinal manipulation and mobilization, soft tissue techniques, acupuncture, ice/heat application, electrotherapy, and rehabilitative exercise. A qualified health professional can determine the cause of your sciatica and prescribe appropriate therapy, exercises, and rehabilitation strategies specifically for your circumstance.  For more information, visit www.nhwc.ca.

 

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.

Understanding Sciatica

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body.  It is made up of five separate nerve roots originating from the low back region on each side, and runs from your pelvis through your buttock and hip area and down the back of each leg.  It controls many of the muscles in your legs and provides feeling to your thighs, lower legs and feet.

"Sciatica" is a common term used to describe any type of pain/symptom that radiates into the leg.  "True sciatica" occurs when there is a mechanical and/or inflammatory irritation directly affecting any component of the sciatic nerve.  This differs from “referred” pain/symptoms which can arise from a bone, joint or muscle that can send pain/symptoms into the leg.

True sciatic symptoms may be felt almost anywhere along the nerve pathway.  These symptoms can radiate from the low back region, into the hip or buttock, and down the leg, into the calf, and even the toes.  The symptoms can vary widely and may include:  a cramping or achy feeling, tightness, burning or a sharp electric shock sensation, numbness, tingling, and leg muscle weakness.  The symptoms may start gradually and intensify over time.  Activities such as bending forward or to the side, walking, prolonged sitting or standing, and even coughing or sneezing may aggravate sciatica.

Below is a brief summary of three common causes of true sciatica:

1.    Spinal disc herniation/bulge – Spinal discs separate and cushion lumbar vertebra.  Repetitive and cumulative loads or a single heavy load has the potential to cause a disc bulge or herniation, thereby causing a mechanical and/or inflammatory irritation of the nerve root(s).  This most commonly occurs in adults aged 20-50.

2.   Degeneration and Osteoarthritis – The normal aging process causes lumbar disc degeneration, osteoarthritis of lumbar joints, and occasionally vertebral slippage.  The consequence of these processes is that mechanical irritation from bony spurs and vertebrae along with inflammation can cause symptoms of sciatica.  This most commonly occurs in adults over 50.

3.   Lumbar spinal stenosis – This condition causes sciatica due to narrowing of the spinal canal and/or nerve pathways.  This puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots and causes neurovascular irritation.  This most commonly occurs in adults over 60.  It is usually secondary to degeneration and osteoarthritis.

Other causes of "true sciatica" include: direct irritation of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle; direct trauma or injury to the sciatic nerve or nerve roots; and postural and mechanical changes associated with pregnancy.  Some common causes of sciatic-like symptoms or "referred" pain include: muscular trigger points and ligament sprains from the low back, hip, gluteal and pelvic regions; sacroiliac joint dysfunction; and arthritic low back, hip and knee joints.

Sciatica is a set of symptoms of a problem, rather than a diagnosis for what is irritating the nerve and causing the pain.  This is an important point to consider because the treatment for sciatica will often be different depending on the underlying cause of the symptoms.  Therefore, it is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis.  A proper medical history, along with physical examination consisting of range of motion, strength, neurological and orhopaedic testing, along with diagnostic imaging (if necessary) should be performed to aid in the diagnosis.  It is extremely important to rule out rare causes of sciatic symptoms such as spinal tumors and infections.  Individuals with a loss of bowel or bladder control may be experiencing cauda equina syndrome and should be referred immediately for emergency care.

When sciatica strikes, there are conservative treatment options available.  These may include: mechanical traction, spinal manipulation and mobilization, soft tissue techniques, acupuncture, ice/heat application, electrotherapy, and rehabilitative exercise. A qualified health professional can determine the cause of your sciatica and prescribe appropriate therapy, exercises, and rehabilitation strategies specifically for your circumstance.  For more information, visit www.nhwc.ca.

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.