Leg Pain
Treating Leg Pain - Sciatica
Sciatica is a sign that you have an underlying problem that is putting pressure on a nerve in your lower back. The most common cause of this nerve compression is a bulging or herniated lumbar disc.
Piriformis syndrome is another cause of sciatica. The piriformis muscle lies directly over the sciatic nerve. If this muscle tightens or spasms, it puts pressure directly on the sciatic nerve. In men, sciatic pain is sometimes caused by sitting on a wallet.
How do I know if I have sciatica?
Sciatic pain radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg. There may also be numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected leg and the pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation. It can feel like a jolt or electric shock or it can start gradually and intensify over time.
How is Sciatica Treated?
Sciatic pain is usually relieved through a combination of stretches, deep tissue massage of the piriformis muscle and chiropractic care.
In cases where sciatic pain is caused by chronic muscle spasms, it may be necessary for a procedure called a trigger point injection, where a medical pain specialist injects a small amount of anesthetic directly into a spasmed muscle. This is typically not necessary.
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from your pelvis, through your hip area and buttocks and down each leg. The sciatic nerve branches into smaller nerves as it travels down the legs providing feeling to your thighs, legs, and feet as well as controlling many of the muscles in your lower legs. The term sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of this nerve.