What Is Sciatica?

The term "sciatica" is thrown about a lot, but often used incorrectly

. The true definition of sciatica is pain along the path of the sciatic nerve which extends from the lower back down each leg. Sciatica is not a diagnosis, it's a symptom (like itching). Sciatica can range from an occasional discomfort to extreme pain that makes it nearly impossible to walk. Often, there are multiple underlying reasons for a person's sciatic nerve pain. Fortunately, a chiropractor can help find the root cause of the problem with a simple exam. Your chiropractor may also order some diagnostic imaging such as an x-ray, MRI or CT scan to take a look at the underlying structures.

To answer the question, "what is sciatica?" it is helpful to explain some of the relevant anatomical structures. The longest and widest nerve in the human body is the sciatic nerve.. The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back as 5 separate nerves that extend from five different vertebrae; L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3. These nerves meet up to form one large bundle which runs through the buttocks and down the entire length of the leg. The sciatica nerve is responsible (directly or indirectly) for nearly all the sensation in your leg including the skin of the thigh and gluts.

When the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, sciatica occurs.. The pain is felt in the low back and leg, but the site of the pain isn't always the site of the underlying issue. Since the sciatica nerve is so long and travels around or through the large muscles of the buttocks, it takes an expert to determine if the pain is coming from disc compression, from muscle spasms or from something else. Again, sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis.

While sciatica is most often associated with pain, other symptoms may be present such as tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness. The pain can be nearly constant or intermittent. If you think you are experiencing sciatic nerve pain, keep a record of the location, duration and intensity of the pain. Your specific history plays an important role in determining the cause of the pain.

There is no single "cure-all" for sciatica, since it depends on the underlying cause of the pain..

Chiropractors use a variety of non-invasive approaches that include spinal manipulation, physical therapy, targeted stretching and active muscle release. You'll also be likely to hear about nutrition and hydration as essential elements in reducing inflammation of the tissues and maintaining healthy discs.. The spine, discs, muscles and soft tissue all have a role to play in sciatica and should be evaluated and treated as a connected system.

The most important thing to take away from this article is that sciatica (sciatic nerve pain) is a symptom of an underlying condition. You'll only start to get better once the underlying condition is identified and this is done through a combination of an exam, history and recommended diagnostic imaging.

by: Andy Grant

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