Nerve pain, which is usually a burning, stabbing or shooting feeling
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve (the largest nerve in the body), which originates from the lower back and runs through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side.
Causes
There are multiple causes of true sciatica. It most commonly occurs when a bone spur, disc herniation or narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) occurs, compressing part the nerve. This causes pain, inflammation, and often some associated numbness in the affected leg.
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain that radiates from the (lower back, into the buttock and down the back of the leg
- The pain can vary from a mild ache to a sharp, shooting, burning sensation or excruciating pain. Numbness, tingling or muscle weakness in the affected leg may be present as well.Â
How can Chiropractic care help with Sciatica?
The first step is establishing the cause of sciatica. It is often the symptom of something else which is generally treatable.Â
At Andrea Chiropractic and Wellness our Chiropractor Dr Xander van der Walt can help diagnose and treat the underlying cause of your sciatic pain using a variety of joint manipulation, soft tissue work and specific rehabilitation exercises.Â
