Sciatica refers to pain running from the low back down the back of one or both legs.  This extremely common condition, which has four main causes, can be debilitating.  Fortunately, chiropractic care can correct all four major causes of sciatica.

The term “sciatica” refers to the inflammation of this nerve and the pain that radiates along its course.  Sciatica may feel like a leg cramp or a numbness, burning or a pins-and-needles sensation.  Sciatic pain can also be excruciatingly piercing or stabbing.

Although sciatic pain is generally in the legs, the root cause is often compression of the sciatic nerve root, which is the beginning of the sciatic nerve as it exits the spinal cord in the low back.  Nerve root compression is misalignment of spinal bones or pelvic bones.  When either of these bones are even slightly out of place, spinal movement is restricted, which in turn irritates the muscles, discs, and the nerve root — causing pain.

The other two main causes are herniated spinal discs and piriformis syndrome which is inflammation of the piriformis muscle in the buttocks.

Often, more than one of these four causes occur simultaneously, so it is vital to identify and address all factors.  The good news is that research shows that chiropractic care, alleviates all four of the common causes of sciatic pain. Dr. Barbara Smith
Chiropractor and Health Educator
health@doctorbarb.com