Sciatica

Sciatica, or radiating pain down the back of the leg, is one of the most common low back complaints that a chiropractor treats. It can be caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve in a number of areas of the low back and buttocks. People with the condition commonly describe it as a “shooting pain down the back of the leg” but there are many different ways that it can present itself. The achy, sharp, or burning pain can be mild all the way to severe. It can start in the back and radiate all the way down the back of the leg to the foot. Occasionally there can be muscle weakness (a feeling like “my leg wants to give out”) and sensory changes (numbness or “pins and needles”) alongside or instead of actual pain. Additionally, foot pain, numbness or drop can be experienced with some cases of sciatica. The treatment of sciatica begins with a thorough history and examination followed with a formal diagnosis and treatment recommendation that often involves soft tissue work, joint mobilization, and rehab exercises. Often there is a home behavioural component (such as poor sitting posture) that has led to the development of sciatica. That too, we be addressed in the treatment plan, if necessary. X-ray radiography, nerve conduction studies, and MRI are sometimes required when there is pain radiating along the back of the leg. The doctors at Community Chiropractic Clinic are qualified in ordering and interpreting the findings from such studies. Sciatica affects millions of people every year. It can be a severely debilitating disease that if left unattended or improperly managed, can cause a lot of pain, discomfort, and disability. If you are feeling the symptoms of sciatica or know someone who is, let one of the doctors at Community Chiropractic Clinic evaluate them today.