Sciatica

The longer nerve in a person’s body is the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve starts from the pelvis and runs through the hip and buttocks down both legs. The sciatic nerve is what provides feeling to one’s feet, thighs and legs since it branches into many smaller nerves and travels down the legs. It also controls a lot of muscles in the lower legs. “Sciatica” is a term defined by pain that goes along the path of this nerve.

If you have a problem putting pressure on a nerve in the lower back, it is a sign of sciatica. Compression of a herniated lumbar disc or bulge is a common cause of this nerve. Many times, sitting on a wallet is what causes sciatic pain in men.

Pain that occurs from the lower spine down the back of the leg is a main sign of sciatica. Tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness in the pained leg may occur in sciatica. The level of pain varies and can range from mild aching to sharp and/or excruciating discomfort. Pain from sciatic often starts off slowly but gets stronger over time. Sitting, sneezing or coughing will likely worsen the pain.

Chiropractic care along with deep tissue massages of the specific muscles and light stretches are the best ways to treat sciatica.