What is Sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve—the largest nerve in the body—becomes compressed or irritated. This leads to radiating pain, numbness, or weakness, usually along one side of the body. Understanding the root cause of your sciatica is essential to effective treatment.

Symptoms:

• Sharp or burning pain radiating from the lower back into the leg.
• Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet.
• Muscle weakness in the affected leg.
• Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, standing, or certain movements.

Common Causes of Sciatica:

• Herniated or Bulging Discs: When spinal discs in the lower back protrude or rupture, they can press on the sciatic nerve.
• Spinal Stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve openings, leading to nerve compression.
• Piriformis Syndrome: The piriformis muscle in the buttocks compresses the sciatic nerve as it passes through or near it.
• Spondylolisthesis: A vertebra slipping out of alignment, narrowing the space for the nerve.
• Pelvic Misalignments: An imbalanced pelvis can create uneven tension on the sciatic nerve.
• Trauma or Injury: Falls, car accidents, or other injuries may inflame or compress the nerve.
• Chronic Poor Posture: Sitting for extended periods or standing with poor posture can increase strain on the lumbar spine and hips.

Common imaging findings in sciatica cases:

• Herniated or bulging discs visible on MRI or CT scans.
• Narrowed nerve pathways or foramina.
• Alignment issues such as spondylolisthesis or pelvic tilt.
• Signs of Soft Tissue Swelling

Common Diagnoses Related to Sciatica

• Herniated Disc:Disc material pressing on the sciatic nerve, often leading to sharp, shooting pain down the leg.
• Spinal Stenosis:A narrowing of the spinal canal compressing the sciatic nerve roots.
• Piriformis Syndrome:The piriformis muscle in the buttocks irritates the sciatic nerve.
• Spondylolisthesis:A vertebra slipping out of position and pinching the nerve.
• Degenerative Disc Disease:Age-related disc wear causing nerve irritation.

Treatment

• Chiropractic Adjustments: Restore alignment to reduce nerve compression.
• Soft Tissue Therapy: Relieve tension in the lower back and hips.
• Laser or Shockwave Therapy: Stimulate healing for chronic or severe cases.
• Posture and Movement Education: Prevent future episodes through better ergonomics and exercise.
• Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Target muscles around the sciatic nerve for recovery.

Sciatica isn’t just a symptom—it’s a sign of deeper dysfunction in the spine, pelvis, or muscles. Treating the underlying cause is essential for relief