Sciatica

The Sciatic nerve can be pinched either at the level of the spine or where the nerve passes near or through a muscle in the buttock called the piriformis muscle. Compression at either of these levels can cause symptoms of sciatica. The piriformis muscle can pinch the sciatic nerve by being in spasm. A piriformis muscle spasm can be related to a nutritional deficiency, a circulation insufficiency or from irritation of the portion of the sciatic nerve that supplies this muscle.

Your Doctor of Chiropractic can help determine if you have sciatica and if so, where the underlying cause of nerve irritation is coming from. A careful history and examination of the leg, hip, and lower back is the key to the diagnosis of this condition. Imaging of the spine (x-rays or MRI) often reveal the source of nerve irritation. Soft tissue swelling, bony impingement (arthritis) degenerative disc conditions (worn disc) or a bulging or herniated disc are just some of the possible findings that imaging may uncover.

Treatment for this condition is largely based on the examination findings. Sciatic neuritis caused from a bulging or herniated disc will usually require the greatest amount of treatment. This form of sciatica is generally reported by the patient to feel like a pain or burning sensation that travels in a straight line down the center of the back of the leg like a string, possibly as far as the little toe. In contrast, sciatica due to a bony irritation in the spine, such as facet syndrome (irritation in the joints of the spine) usually presents as a more diffuse and hard to describe pain pattern. The patient often will grab the back of his or her leg and exclaim that it hurts in the area being held. In either case, the extent the sciatic irritation travels gives an indication as to how involved the problem actually is; the further the pain or sensation of burning, numbness, or tingling travels down the leg, the worse the condition usually is.

The symptoms of sciatica generally get worse when seated, especially for extended periods of time. Sitting actually places more weight on the lower back than standing. This causes further irritation to the sciatic nerve. Also, since the nerve passes either behind or directly through one of the muscles that you sit on, the decreased circulation from sitting also contributes to this problem.

If your sciatica actually gets better or goes away when you are sitting, even for a long period of time, but worsens shortly after you stand up and start walking, you may have a condition known as spinal stenosis. The word “stenosis” means narrowing. People with this condition have bony build that enters the central spinal canal. When standing, compression to the nerve is increased because the ligament that runs near this nerve is relaxed and takes up too much space in the narrowed canal it shares with the nerve. However, compression is decreased the moment you become seated or bend forward. Either of these two postures stretches the ligament, which give the nerve in the narrowed canal more room.

Chiropractic manipulation is successful in many cases of sciatica including spinal stenosis if the condition is discovered soon enough. Adjustments (manipulation) can be applied by either moving the vertebra surrounding the irritated nerve or through other methods, such as flexion-distraction, which works to improve the condition of the disc.

Treatment goals are to reduce the irritation to the sciatic nerve and to improve the circulation to the muscles and soft tissue that support and surround this nerve. Initially ice, ultrasound, or galvanic stimulation (an application of painless mild current) may be needed to reduce or remove the swelling and waste products that accumulate from tissue injury. As the swelling is reduced, further treatment is generally initiated to stretch the muscles along the path of this nerve. Specific exercises and massage therapy may also be utilized to and improve circulation. Moist heat or a combination of moist heat and ice may be used during this phase of treatment.

When sciatica improves, the patient usually notices that the sensation of pain, burning, or tingling does not extend as far down the leg as it used to. This is a common sign of healing. The degree of healing is further supported by changes in lifestyle. Anything that will decrease stress to the spine helps. With proper exercise, good nutrition, spinal manipulation, and continued therapy, if needed, your condition should continue to improve.

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DISCLAIMER: Articles posted on this site are for informational purposes only. Articles are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment. Users of this site should consult with their doctors before making any decisions regarding their health care. 

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