Sciatica and Leg Pain
Conditions
Therapies
Description
Sciatica refers to pain that originates from the sciatic nerve in your lumbar spine. The sciatic nerve travels along your low back into the hips and buttocks and down the back of the legs. Sciatica is most often caused by a disc herniation or overgrowth of bone from osteoarthritis that puts pressure on the nerve and creates inflammation and pain. This inflammation and pressure causes symptoms such as mild tingling, a dull ache, or burning sensation in the low back and down the back of the thigh. In some cases, the pain is sharp, shooting, and sometimes debilitating.
The pain most often occurs on one side and can create muscle weakness depending on the severity. People with sciatica usually have increased pain when coughing or sneezing. Conservative treatment such as chiropractic care has been shown to effectively treat sciatica.
Symptoms
- Sharp/Shooting Pain Down Back of Leg
- Burning Pain
- Dull Ache
- Numbness/Tingling
- Leg Weakness
Common Causes
- Spinal Disc Protrusion & Herniation
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Spondylolisthesis
- Osteoarthritis of the Lumbar Spine
- Poor Posture & Spinal Alignment
Book Appointment
Interested in becoming a patient?
Complete the intake form below.
FAQ
Frequently Ask Questions.
No, if you have changes in the ability to control your bowel or bladder function this could indicate a serious condition called Cauda Equina Syndrome and immediate medical attention is necessary.
Sciatica and Leg Pain
Sciatica and Leg Pain
What is Sciatica and Leg Pain?
Symptoms
Sciatica pain can vary widely. It may feel like a mild tingling, dull ache, or a burning sensation. In some cases, the pain is sharp, shooting, and sometimes debilitating.
The pain most often occurs on one side. Some people have sharp pain in one part of the leg or hip and numbness. The pain or numbness may also be felt on the back of the calf or on the sole of the foot. The affected leg may feel weak.
The pain often starts slowly. Sciatica pain may get worse:
- After standing or sitting
- At night
- When sneezing, coughing, or laughing
- When bending backwards or walking more than a few meters
Common causes of sciatica include:
Spinal Disc Protrusions and Herniations
Piriformis syndrome
Spondylolisthesis
Osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine
Bad Posture and Spinal Alignment
Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. It is caused by injury to or pressure on the sciatic nerve and can involve multiple lumbar spinal nerves that control the legs. Sciatica is a symptom of another problem usually related to abnormal curvature in the low back, osteoarthritis, and spinal disc protrusions and herniations
Sciatica occurs when there is pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve. This nerve starts in the lower portion of the spine and runs down the back of both legs. This nerve controls the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg and provides sensation to the back of the thigh, part of the lower leg, and the sole of the foot.
