Sciatica and Sciatic Nerve pain                  << Back

Description of Sciatica

Sciatica is a layman's term for a pinched nerve that can cause pain that runs from the buttocks down the back of the leg.

The sciatic nerve is about an inch or so long in the buttocks made of multiple spinal nerves. When people commonly refer to sciatica it is not necessarily a problem of the sciatic nerve, it's a problem of the nerve when it is being pinched as it exits from the spine from a herniated disc or a bone spur.

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica is a form of peripheral neuropathy. It occurs when there is damage to the sciatic nerve located in the back of the leg. This nerve controls the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg and provides sensation to the back of the thigh, part of the lower leg and the sole of the foot.

Sciatica is primarily caused by pressure on a nerve from a herniated disc or bone spur (also referred to as a ruptured disc, bulging disc, slipped disk, etc.). A herniated lumbar disc in the spine may cause symptoms that simulate the symptoms of sciatic nerve dysfunction. Click here for more information

The problem is often diagnosed as "radiculopathy", meaning that a disc has protruded from its normal position in the vertebral column of the spine and is putting pressure on the radicular nerve (nerve root), which connects with the sciatic nerve, therefore termed sciatica.

Other causes are direct trauma, prolonged external pressure on the nerve, and pressure on the nerve from nearby body structures. It can also be caused by entrapment -- pressure on the nerve where it passes through a narrow structure. The damage slows or prevents conduction of impulses through the nerve.

The sciatic nerve can also be injured by fractures of the pelvis or other trauma to the buttocks or thigh. Prolonged sitting or lying with pressure on the buttocks may also injure it. Systemic diseases, such as diabetes, can typically damage many different nerves, including the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve may also be harmed by pressure from masses such as a tumor or abscess, or by bleeding in the pelvis.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Symptoms of sciatica include sensation changes, numbness, decreased sensation, tingling, burning and pain in the buttocks, down the back of the legs, the back of the calf or the sole of the foot. Sciatica can also cause weakness in the legs, knees and feet and in severe cases can cause loss of mobility.

Treatment of Sciatica

Conservative treatment such as Chiropractic and Physical Therapy can provide good results for uncomplicated sciatica due to muscle spasm.  More complicated forms of sciatica traditionally start with steroid injections and can lead to back surgery, but it also may bring with it high risks and many complications. Now patients have the option of Spinal Decompression and Laser Therapy Program^®.a gentle, affordable and effective non-surgical solution.

How to Prepare for Your 1st Appt/Exam

OC Back & Neck Therapy, 6927 Katella Ave., Cypress, CA 90630

Powered by IndeFree Designs - Copyright © 2008. IndeFree Association.  All rights reserved.
Oc Back - OC Neck and Back Therapy