What is the Cause of Sciatic Nerve Pain?

Most people are familiar with the term sciatica, but they may not know what it means or why it occurs. In fact, sciatica is a condition that responds extremely well to chiropractic care because the most common source of the problem is very treatable this way. If you have sciatic nerve pain, a chiropractor can be a great way to obtain effective sciatica treatment in Los Altos.

Why Sciatica Occurs

Sciatica is a term used to describe pain that emanates from the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve itself branches off from the spinal cord in the lower back and then branches off again into smaller nerves that run down through the buttocks and into the legs and feet. When the nerve root is compressed, sciatica occurs. The condition has various symptoms in different people:

• Lower back pain
• Leg pain
• Foot pain
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Weakness

The most common cause of compression of the sciatic nerve is a herniated, bulging, or ruptured disc. When this occurs, the misshapen disc presses on the sciatic nerve. This pressure on the nerve results in pain, weakness, or tingling. Other causes of sciatic nerve pain include narrowing of the spinal column (spinal stenosis) or bony spurs caused by osteoarthritis of the spine. Nerve root compression from acute injury may also occur.

Because it relieves pressure on the nerve, exercises or activities that lengthen the spine tend to relieve sciatica pain. Exercises and activities that compress the spine may make it worse. People with sciatica frequently find that sitting is painful, while lying down or standing may lessen or eliminate the pain.

Treatment for sciatica from a Los Altos chiropractor can reduce pain and speed up healing. Ice and heat may also aid in dealing with sciatica pain at home. Short walks, stopping before it becomes painful but gradually increasing in distance, may be recommended. Most cases of sciatica are diagnosed by history and physical exam, but sometimes tests such as x-rays or MRIs may be used.

Understanding Sciatica Treatment from our Los Altos Chiropractor

Reimer Wellness Center provides diagnosis and treatment for sciatica from an experienced Los Altos chiropractor. Dr. Mary Reimer has been helping patients in the Bay Area for 28 years and provides sciatica treatment in Los Altos, Palo Alto, and Mountain View. Call Reimer Wellness Center at 650-492-6067 to schedule an appointment or use our online scheduling tool!