Pain Relief for Sciatica

Sciatica is one of the most painful conditions that can be experienced. For over 125 years chiropractors have been helping patients heal from sciatica.

Pain of the sciatic nerve is termed "sciatica." Sciatica involves the pinching of the sciatic nerve. Five smaller nerves exit the lower spine and merge together to form the sciatic nerve. It is the largest nerve in the body (about the size of a finger) and also the longest nerve of the body, with fibers running from the lower back to the toes.

Sciatica is often caused by a problem with a lower back intervertebral disc. These discs can bulge, herniate, rupture or protrude backward and come in contact with smaller nerves or the sciatic nerve itself. The symptoms of sciatica include lower back pain, pain in the buttocks, and pain down the side or back of the thigh, calf and foot. Numbness and tingling can also occur in the legs and feet.

Chiropractic care for sciatica usually takes several weeks to several months. Since the cause of sciatica originates in the lower back, most patients experience pain that travels down the leg. During the course of treatment and healing most patients will start to see a decrease of their leg pain. It is usually just a matter of time and treatment before the pain is fully eliminated.