Sciatica
Sciatica is the name for a set of symptoms, which can include lower back pain, pain in the buttock, and pain down the back of one leg. People suffering from sciatica may also feel tingling, pins and needles, or numbness down the affected leg.
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body and there are many spots along its path where it can get pinches and create sciatica.
The three most common causes for a pinched sciatic nerve are:
- Spinal misalignment
- Herniated or inflamed disc
- Muscle spasm of the piriformis muscle (located in the buttocks)
The only way to figure out which of these is causing your symptoms is to see a professional. A chiropractor will assess the alignment of the spine and other joints, as well as determine if the muscles are contributing to the problem. If necessary, an MRI or x-ray will be ordered to see the discs.
Chiropractic is a very effective approach to treating sciatica, no matter which factor is causing it. The chiropractic adjustments will restore proper biomechanics to the misaligned joints, decrease inflammation around the discs, and calm the muscles.
For more information about sciatica and low back pain, please contact us at 978-664-1500. We are located at 350 Park St. in North Reading, MA. Communities we serve Chiropractic Care to include Andover, Reading, Wilmington, Stoneham, Woburn, Lynnfield, and Tewksbury.
