Sciatica Treatment

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica presents itself when the sciatic nerve (located in the lower back and legs area) has been pinched in some way. The sciatic nerve is commonly pinched when an individual has a herniated disc. In some cases, an overgrowth of bone (known as a bone spur) on the vertebrae can also pinch the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica.

Some risk factors can impact the likelihood of getting sciatica, including, but not limited to age, obesity, diabetes, and prolonged periods of sitting.

The best ways to prevent getting sciatica is to exercise on a regular basis, use proper body movements (especially when lifting heavy loads), and maintaining good posture as you sit. You can also improve your spinal health by being under regular chiropractic care to ensure no nerves are being pinched in your back and neck.

Symptoms of Sciatica

The symptoms of sciatica can range from a simple, uncomfortable, mild ache to sharper sensations similar to a feeling of being burned. In some cases, the pain can be excruciating and unbearable. There are a variety of common symptoms of sciatica which include, but are not limited to, the following:

• A burning and/or tingling sensations that runs down the leg
• A feeling of weakness and/or numbness in the foot or leg
• Inability to move the leg or foot with ease
• Pain along the side of the rear that is consistent
• Any pain that makes it challenging to stand up
• Pain in the hip area
• Any pain in the leg and/or rear that worsens when seated

If you experience any of the following symptoms you should see a doctor immediately:

• Difficulty controlling the bladder and bowel movements
• Sciatic pain immediately following a major accident, such as a car accident
• Numbness or muscle weakness in the lower back and/or leg that appears suddenly and with severe amounts of pain

Generally speaking, sciatica will only impact one side of the lower body, although it occasionally can affect both sides (such as both hips, both legs, etc.). In most scenarios, the pain will begin at the lower back and work its way through the thigh and leg. The foot and toes can also be affected by sciatica pain depending on where the sciatic nerve has been impacted.

Diagnosing Sciatica with Tests and Imaging

To accurately determine whether you have sciatica (or another condition) and the severity of sciatica, a variety of diagnostic and imaging tests need to be conducted.

In most cases, the first tests conducted are an x-ray or computed tomography scan (CT scan or CAT scan). These help the doctor locate potential bone overgrowths (known as a bone spur) that is pressing against a nerve. Sometimes the CT scan includes a contrast dye injection called a CT myelogram to help increase imaging during the x-ray.

If your doctor determines that it’s not sciatica or that other medical conditions are responsible for your symptoms (such as disc herniation or spinal stenosis), an MRI may be recommended. MRIs provide more detailed images of the bone and softer tissues (including herniated discs).

To test the nerves and responsiveness of the muscles, electromyography (EMG) may be done. This can help a doctor analyze compression of the nerves or narrowing of the spinal canal, which can be caused by a herniated disc.