Sciatica, or sciatic neuritis, is a distracting pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve - beginning in the lower back and extending down one or both legs.
Symptoms of sciatica may include lower back pain, buttock pain, numbness or weakness in various parts of the leg and foot, and a shooting pain making it difficult to walk or stand up. The level of pain varies from person to person – from infrequent and irritating to quite severe and debilitating. Simple movements such as coughing or sneezing lead to excruciating pain for some people dealing with sciatica.
Why Does Sciatic Pain Occur?
Sciatica symptoms occur when the large sciatic nerve is irritated. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, made up of isolated nerve roots that branch out from the spine in the lower back. When the nerve becomes pinched (by a herniated disc or overgrowth of bone) on your vertebrae, sciatica is likely to occur.
How Chiropractic Can Help Relieve Sciatica
Chiropractic adjustments are known to provide ready relief. A visit to the chiropractor can also help assess the nature of sciatica, such as misaligned vertebrae or pelvis, and care for it accordingly – resolving the root of the problem.
