What is sciatica?
The sciatica nerve is a large nerve that travels from your low back all the way down your leg into your foot. When this nerve is compressed or damaged, then you may feel symptoms,such as sharp pain, numbness or tingling in different parts of your lower body. You may find that standing or sitting for long periods of time may aggravate your sciatica.
What can cause sciatica?
Sciatica is a common condition affecting between 10-40% of the population. It is often caused through a mechanism of injury to the low back or the compression of the nerve as it travels from the low back to the foot.
Risk factors for sciatica include:
age (peak 45-64yoa)
– increased weight
– smoking
– mental stress
– strenuous physical activity (particularly including bending and twisting
Sciatica is diagnosed through history and physical assessment findings,particularly neurological testing. In some cases, imaging is necessary toassess the discs in the spine through CT or MRI, most often in cases where the disc has herniated.
How chiropractors treat sciatica:
Using conservative treatment methods, chiropractors can effectively treat sciatica. Techniques include; adjusting the spine, traction, blocking, massage and teaching prevention exercises.
Home exercises to help with sciatica?
– piriformis stretch
– bird-dog
– cat-cow
