Sciatica refers to pain felt in the lower back and continues down to one or both legs. It is a dull, sharp pain that may occur occasionally or constantly and feels like sharp needles. A common misconception about sciatic pain is that it is a disorder. However, that isn’t true; it is in fact a symptom of a disorder.

Causes

A general cause of sciatic pain is nerve compression. The sciatic nerve can be pinched due to a herniated disk, which means the development of a crack or bulge that pinches the nerve. Other causes of it include lumbar spine subluxations, pregnancy, childbirth, or a tumor. Diabetes or constipation can also cause sciatic pain.

Another common cause is piriformis syndrome, which refers to the pain caused in the piriformis muscle. This muscle is located in the pelvis, helps in hip rotation via connecting to the thighbone. The piriformis muscle is susceptible to injury by falling, difference in leg length or hip arthritis. Cramps caused in the muscle pinch the sciatic nerve, which in turn cause pain.

What Can a Chiropractor Do?

The first step of any chiropractor is to identify the correct cause of sciatic pain which is done through tests and examinations. After the cause has been ruled out, chiropractic care can be provided through different methods. The aim of the chiropractor is to provide relief and allow the body to heal itself through correction of spinal dysfunction. It involves no surgery or drugs.

Chiropractors are trained and experienced to select the right treatment option depending on the condition and source of sciatic pain. Common treatments include ice/cold therapy, ultrasound, adjustment, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation also called TENS.

Sciatic pain can last from 6 weeks to longer depending on the nature of the cause, and the physical characteristics of the person, so it is essential to seek chiropractic help at the first instance of pain.