To request an Action Plan to address Sciatica Click Here

Sciatica occurs when there is pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve. This nerve starts in the lower spine and runs down the back of each leg. This nerve controls the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg and provides sensation to the back of the thigh, the whole lower leg below the knee, and the sole of the foot. 

• Slipped or herniated disc(s)
• Piriformis syndrome (a pain disorder involving the narrow muscle in the buttocks)
• Pelvic injury or fracture
• Tumors

• After standing or sitting
• At night
• When sneezing, coughing, or laughing
• When bending backwards or walking more than a few yards, especially if caused by spinal stenosis

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. This may show:

• Weakness of knee bending or foot movement
• Difficulty bending the foot inward or down, or standing on one’s toes
• Abnormal or weak reflexes
• Loss of sensation or numbness
• Pain when lifting the leg straight up off the examining table

• Muscle tests
• X-rays
• MRIs or other imaging tests

Because sciatica may be a symptom of another medical condition, the underlying cause should be identified and treated.

• Apply heat or ice to the painful area. Try ice for the first 48 - 72 hours, and then use heat after that. Never use heat if the area has swelling, as the heat will increase the swelling and lead to more pain.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Addressing the underlying cause is always prudent. Working with a Holistic Chiropractor is the best method for relieving sciatic pain, as most cases are due to pinching and pressure on the sciatic nerve. With spinal manipulation by a trained chiropractor, sciatica is a condition that can be handled quite easily. With simple muscle tests, your Holistic Chiropractor can determine the cause of your sciatica and the best course of treatment for your condition.  Always be sure to treat the cause of the sciatica and not just the symptom.

Sometimes, sciatica can get better on its own. However, it is common for it to return. That is why it is best to see a Holistic Chiropractor for this condition. If your sciatica stays with you for more than 3 days, alternative treatment with a Holistic Chiropractor is warranted.

More serious complications depend on the cause of sciatica. These can be due to the following:

• Slipped disc
• Spinal stenosis

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Unexplained fever with back pain
• Back pain after a severe blow or fall
• Redness or swelling on the back or spine
• Pain traveling down your legs below the knee
• Weakness or numbness in your buttocks, thigh, leg, or pelvis
• Burning with urination or blood in your urine
• Pain that is worse when you lie down, or awakens you at night
• Severe pain and you cannot get comfortable
• Loss of control of urine or stool (incontinence)

• You have been losing weight unintentionally
• You use steroids or intravenous drugs
• You have had back pain before but this episode is different and feels worse
• This episode of back pain has lasted longer than 2 weeks

Prevention varies depending on the cause of the nerve damage. Avoid prolonged sitting or lying with pressure on the buttocks.

1. Chou R, Qaseem A, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: a joint clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society. Ann Intern Med. 2007;147(7):478-491.
2. Chou R, Atlas SJ, Stanos SP, Rosenquist RW. Nonsurgical interventional therapies for low back pain: a review of the evidence for an American Pain Society clinical practice guideline. Spine. 2009;34(10):1078-93.
3. Jegede KA, Ndu A, Grauer JN. Contemporary management of symptomatic lumbar disc herniations. Orthop Clin North Am. 2010 Apr;41(2):217-24.

 

To request an Action Plan to address Sciatica Click Here

Dr. Huntoon has a single mission:

To support as many people as possible in their quest for health and enable them to improve and maintain their health to the highest level possible, while educating them about the benefits of Chiropractic, Natural Healthcare and Holistic Living, so they in turn can teach others to support us having a healthy community.

Your Choice

• Continue doing the same thing and nothing changes or it may get worse

OR

• Try something different and get a different result that makes you happier and healthier.