What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is nerve pain that radiates (runs) along the sciatic nerve. The nerve starts in the lower back and passes through the buttocks, posterior thigh, outside back of the calf and into the foot. ​

Sciatic nerve pain is often felt at the top of the nerve in the lower back, sometimes following the path of the nerve in the leg to the foot, and may occur in either or both legs. ​

Sciatic pain may occur in only part of the nerve path rather than all of it, i.e. pain in the lower back and foot but no pain in between. ​

The pain is a result of irritation of the nerve itself, either from direct injury or secondary to pain generated by tissues very close to the nerve. ​

People May Suffer Sciatica Pain Differently

Pain areas:

In the lower back and/or buttock and/or hip and/or leg.

Pain types:

It can be mild, severe, radiating, aching or sharp.

Pain circumstances:

It can occur following an injury or for no apparent reason.

Sensory:

There may be leg numbness or pins and needles.

Also common:

Burning sensation, foot numbness, limping or muscle weakness. The pain may cause the sufferer to stand or walk in a stooped or sideways leaning posture (known as antalgia).

(08) 9354 7000

highroadchiro@hotmail.com

Suites 2/3, 206 High Rd, Riverton WA 6148

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause.

Seeing a chiropractor to determine the cause of your episode of Low Back / Sciatica Pain is the first step in sorting out your problem.

Supportive Care

Ice pack: Reduces inflammation and dulls the sensation of pain.

Exercise: Once sufficient healing has taken place, exercise to maintain or improve joint mobility and muscle tone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. It is caused by direct or indirect irritation of the sciatic nerve.

A pinched nerve occurs when excessive pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as bones, muscles, tendons, or cartilage. This pressure can disrupt the nerve’s function, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the nerve’s pathway.

A slipped disc, also known as a herniated or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft gel-like center of a spinal disc leaks out through a tear in the tough outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area, such as the lower back or neck.

These problems in the neck often cause localized neck pain and may cause shoulder, arm and hand pain. In the low back these problems can cause the same symptoms in the lower back, buttock, posterior thigh, calf and foot.

Sometimes pain is accompanied by (or is replaced by) numbness, tingling sensations, muscle weakness, or difficulty moving the affected limb.

Common symptoms include sharp or shooting pain that radiates from the lower back or buttocks down the leg (in the case of sciatica), localized pain or discomfort in the neck or back (with a pinched nerve or slipped disc), numbness, tingling sensations, muscle weakness, or difficulty moving the affected limb.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, review of medical history, and imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or CT (computed tomography) scans. These tests help identify the location and extent of nerve compression or disc herniation.

Treatment varies depending on the severity and underlying cause of the condition. Conservative treatments may include rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, hot or cold therapy, and epidural steroid injections. In more severe cases or when conservative measures fail, surgical options such as discectomy or spinal fusion may be considered.