Sciatica occurs when one experiences constant pain in the sciatic nerve, which extends through the entire lower part of the body, from the lower back to the buttocks and on down through the lower legs. The sciatic nerve keeps the muscles of the lower legs functioning correctly, causing sensation in the lower extremities.

Common but usually misunderstood, sciatica is a kind of lower back and leg pain. Sciatica should not be used as a catch-all diagnosis for all forms of nerve pain; the term refers to a specific group of symptoms. Sciatica symptoms seem to affect those between the ages of 30 and 50 the most. Sciatica is often related to wear and tear of the lower spine area over time. Injuries are not known to cause sciatica.

Discomfort from the lower back down through the lower legs - where the sciatic nerve runs - is the main symptom. But depending where the damage to the sciatic nerve is, there can be many symptoms associated with sciatica, from numbness and weak muscles to an aching, burning, or tingling feeling. Most of the time, sciatica affects only one side of the body. Sufferers have also reported a prickly feeling, usually in the foot.

The pain often isn't too bad when the symptoms first appear, but then it gets worse over time. Pain can be intensified when you're sick, as coughing or sneezing can prompt it. Also, suddenly bending or turning after you've been sitting for a long period of time can exacerbate pain.

Your chiropractor can perform a complete examination of your medical profile to diagnose whether you suffer from sciatica. First, your medical history is reviewed. Next, he will request physical and neurological evaluations that pinpoint issues with the legs and spine. Detailing the discomfort that you feel is crucial. Tell your chiropractor exactly when it started and what makes it increase and decrease.

Completing basic tasks in the presence of your chiropractor will enable him to evaluate your reflexes, muscle strength, and sensory response. Sometimes tests like an MRI, CT scan or X-ray may be ordered to assist with the diagnosis.

Some patients may exhibit more serious symptoms or may not have been helped by a period of general treatment. For these sufferers, diagnostic imaging can be quite useful.

The majority of sciatica patients respond well to regular, yet cautious, treatment. There can be a variety of treatments prescribed to alleviate sciatica, as the illness is symptomatic. How it is treated relates to what's causing the symptoms.

Invasive surgery and medicines are not a part of chiropractic care. The goal of chiropractic care is aiding normal function of the spine, repairing issues with movement, and lessening pain and inflammation when necessary.

Various approaches for treatment exist, as the causes of sciatica vary. Therapeutic exercises, treatment with ice and/or heat, and spinal adjustments are just some of the methods of treatment chiropractic use.

Dr. Wayne Fichter is the lead doctor at Disk and Spine Northwest, a comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation center specializing in the treatment of serious, chronic back pain, acute injuries and postural/scoliosis problems. Contact him at diskandspinenorthwest.com or (208) 215-3261.