The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body. It runs from the lumbar spine or lower back down through the gluteal region, down the back of the leg and into the foot. When this nerve becomes irritated or pinched, it causes a combination of symptoms, such as pain, numbness and tingling. This collection of symptoms is commonly referred to as sciatica. In many cases, sciatica is caused by a herniated disc that bulges and puts pressure on the sensitive nerve roots that eventually become part of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica may also be caused by tight muscles, such as the piriformis muscle, which can pinch the nerve.
Chiropractic Manipulation
Chiropractors treat sciatic pain by restoring motion to joints in the spine that are no longer moving properly. Between each vertebrae of the spine, there is a soft spongy disc designed to absorb shock and aid in movement. When spinal joints lose mobility, they put additional stress on the discs which can bulge and cause sciatic pain. Chiropractic manipulation is a method of freeing up the joints and allowing them to move properly again, which takes pressure off of the disc.
Medication
Many causes of sciatic pain respond to treatment with medication by masking pain, easing spasm or reducing inflammation. Herniated discs cause inflammation that irritates spinal nerves, and anti-inflammatory drugs can be helpful. Often doctors will prescribe pain medication to help dull or mask the pain. Sciatic pain is often accompanied by muscle spasm, which increases the pressure on a herniated disc. Prescription muscle relaxers can help reduce a muscle spasm and help ease the pressure.
Ice/Heat
In any acute inflammatory condition, such as those that may cause sciatic pain, ice is a simple home treatment option that should be explored. Ice helps reduce blood flow, which reduces inflammation. In contrast, heat increases blood flow and should be avoided in the first 72 hours after onset of pain or other symptoms. If the condition is still present after 72 hours, heat can relax muscles and help speed healing.
Exercise
When the cause of sciatica is tight, short or weak muscles, the correction of the problem must include muscle stretching and strengthening. When muscles are not functioning properly, additional stress is placed on the discs of the low back and can lead to their breakdown. Stretching of the hamstrings, piriformis and low back muscles will probably be prescribed. This can be done at home without any equipment. Because of the variety of causes of sciatica and the potential to aggravate the symptom, your doctor should diagnose your condition and prescribe proper strengthening exercises.
Surgery
Most cases of sciatic pain can be resolved through conservative treatment, but occasionally it is necessary to treat the cause of sciatica through surgical means. Usually, this involves a procedure to reduce a disc herniation and take pressure off of the nerve roots.
