Sciatica is a pain that radiates along the path of one or more of the three sciatic nerve roots which extend from the lower back down into the buttocks, leg and sometimes into the foot.
It may also cause numbness, tingling and weakness in the legs.
Compressing the L4 root typically causes pain across the front of the thigh and into the inside (medial aspect) of the lower leg and big toe. Compressing the L5 root causes pain into the outer thigh, outer (lateral) leg and on to the top of the foot. Compressing the S1 nerve root sends pain down the back of the thigh, leg, little toe and bottom of the foot. These are called dermatomes: the specific area of skin controlled by specific nerve roots. You can Google “dermatomes” and see these patterns. Knowing these dermatomes helps the physician/chiropractor assess the exact level of your problem which can be clinically coordinated with other tests and imaging studies. There are many causes of “pinching” a sciatic nerve root but some of the most common causes include a herniated disc, back injuries and spinal stenosis. The good news is that most sciatic issues resolve with conservative care which includes gentle chiropractic manipulation and do not need surgical intervention. Sciatica can become very painful and debilitating. The medical profession approach is often narcotic pain medications, muscle relaxers, cortical steroids (pills or injections) and expensive imaging studies like MRI’s followed by weeks of physical therapy.
Our office has safely and effectively treated sciatic problems for 38 years
now. Yes, sometimes anti-inflammatory medications may be needed and be
helpful. We use low level laser to help reduce the inflammation on the nerve
roots. If you think you might have a sciatic problem, please call us today at
910-392-3333.