LEG PAIN & SCIATICA

What is Sciatica and what causes it?

Most patients that present to our Fountain Valley office complain of either neck or back pain. With lower back pain there is often pain down the leg often referred to as sciatica. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve made up of many smaller nerves that exit the spine and spinal cord and supply nerve energy from the brain and spinal cord down the leg to all the muscles and skin of the upper and lower leg. It courses down the back of the leg in the hamstring area. When pain is felt here or in the calf muscles, or if you have a tightness/cramp that will not go away, this is a case of sciatica.

If this is the symptom, there is likely pinching or interference to the nerves somewhere between the spine and where the pain is felt. When different aspects of the sciatic nerve are pinched, some patients report pain on the side or front of the leg. The pain, cramping, tingling or numbness can even be felt down to the foot or heel. If the nerve is pinched it is most commonly due to a vertebra that is out of alignment with either the vertebra above or below it. We refer to this as a “subluxated” vertebra.

For our patients with lower back pain and/or sciatica we do a thorough evaluation, usually including x-rays to be sure of where the spinal subluxation is, and to be certain it is a chiropractic problem. If it appears a chiropractic problem at that point we will review our findings with you and outline the most appropriate course of care.

Our treatment includes one or more of the following: specific chiropractic adjustments, neuromuscular re-education, massage, ice, heat and instructions on home care.

Contact : Dr. Lysa at Power Source Chiropractic in Fountain Valley, CA.