Sciatica - Sciatic Nerve

• Sciatica is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body. It runs from the lower spine, through the buttocks, and into the leg and foot. When the sciatic nerve is inflamed it causes numbness tingling, pain or weakness in the low back and leg.

• It can be caused by inflamed joints, bulging or herniated disc, muscular spasms or sometimes by systemic disease such as diabetes.

• The cause of your sciatica needs to be determined. Your treatment will be dependent upon why you have the sciatica. A careful history and exam can give good insight into the possible cause of your leg pain. X-rays or advanced imaging may be necessary to identify exactly what is causing your leg pain. The healing is dependent upon the exact cause but results can usually be seen in the first several weeks of treatment. The chiropractic treatment process usually takes 4 to 6 weeks, but in the cases depending upon the exact cause treatment may take longer. Sometimes surgery may be necessary.

• When your low back and leg are in acute pain use ice and heat at home as instructed by Dr. Humberstone. If there is swelling always use ice.