Many people understand Sciatica to be any pain that radiates down the leg, true sciatica is pain that emanates from the Sciatic nerve, a long nerve that runs down from the lower back through the buttocks and down the back of the leg as far as the foot. Sciatica is often accompanied by tingling, pins and needles, and numbness and in some cases by muscular weakness in the leg. In many cases Sciatica is also associated with pain in the lower back. Other causes of pain radiating into the leg include impingement of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and peripheral nerve impingement among others. The good news about Sciatica is that in most cases Chiropractic can help!
Depending on where the sciatic nerve is being influenced individuals may notice pain or discomfort anywhere from the buttock all the way down into the foot and toes. For some the pain can be serious and crippling whilst others will only experience it intermittently when getting caught in certain positions. Where there is dramatic lower limb shortcomings such us numbness in the upper thigh, loss of bowel or bladder control or significant weakness and lack of ability to move foot and toes urgent medical attention should be sort.
Common symptoms of sciatica include:
- Pain in the back of the leg
- Burning or tingling down the back of the leg
- Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg or foot
- A constant pain on one side of the buttocks
- A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up
At Total Balance Chiropractic when an individual presents with symptoms of sciatica we undertake a full medical history and Chiropractic examination to determine the cause for the Sciatica and how serious the issue is. The good news is that in most cases if the issue is addressed early a conservative approach to care can have great results in addressing sciatica. To find out more please call our team on (02) 49692886.To book an appointment click here.