Sciatica: A Pain in the Butt. What is it and what to do about it.
The Sciatic nerve (VPR L4-S3) is formed in the lower spinal region and is made up of a combination of motor and sensory nerve fibres that supplies sensation to the hips, knees, ankles, lower leg & all parts of the feet. It also supplies muscular strength to the hamstrings, a part of the adductor magnus and all the lower leg/foot muscles.
Sciatica is a term used to describe a symptom of impairment or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The impairment can happen anywhere along the entire length of the nerve, starting from your lower back and down to the foot. Sciatica is not a diagnosis.
Photo of common distribution of Sciatica and pain in the body.
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Sciatica can result from a number of factors; with lumbar disc herniation being a common cause of compression to the nerve roots that make up the sciatic nerve leading to sciatica. It can also be due to local compression from the surrounding muscles along the sciatic nerve path from the low back all the way down to the foot or trauma.
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Some common complaints of individuals who have experienced sciatic nerve irritation or impairment include a sharp-stabbing pain in the low back, hip, buttock, hamstring, calf and even down to the foot and toes. Some also complain of a super tight hamstring while the other hamstring feels normal, pain and stiffness that is worse in the morning but better as the day goes on, and heel pain that may mimic Achilles tendinopathy. Other less common but probable symptoms include a sense of heaviness in the leg, weakness when weight bearing on that leg, or swelling and a sense of feeling “off” in that limb.
One common thing to do when we feel this tightness in our calf or hamstring is to stretch it, when really we may be putting more stress and irritation on the sciatic nerve as all nerves in our bodies do not like to be pushed or pulled.
It is also common for those who may be experiencing sciatica-like symptoms to have leg pain but no lower back pain initially.
If someone is experiencing changes to their bowel and/or bladder function following the onset of sciatica-like symptoms, this may be a sign of compression of the nerves that make up the cauda equina and is considered an emergent referral for a surgical consult.
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Chiropractors are well equipped and trained to manage Sciatica-type complaints via a thorough physical examination and creating a care plan tailored to your specific needs. If you or someone you know may be suffering from Sciatica, a thorough evaluation is recommended in order to determine the appropriate diagnosis so that treatment moving forward will address the underlying dysfunction and get you back to doing the things you love without that pain in your butt!
Do you have questions about your injury? Book your complimentary 15min phone consultation with Dr. Yap via email to determine if chiropractic care is appropriate for your specific condition.
Send inquiries to: drnickyap@gmail.com
Do you want to work one-on-one with Dr. Yap to get rid of your pain and optimize your life? Book your appointment today at: https://totalbodyhealth.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/45
