Chiropractic treatment of sciatica

Sciatica is one of the most common presentations to the chiropractic clinic, with patients often reporting pain in the low back and legs.  Sciatica is caused by compression or irritation of one of the five nerves in the low back which goes on to make up the Sciatic Nerve.  The word sciatica itself describes a group of symptoms which includes shooting pain, a dull ache, tingling/pins and needles or muscle weakness or cramps, in one or both legs.  The most common presentation of sciatica also includes pain in the low back.

 The most common site for one of these nerves to become irritated or compressed is as it exits the spine, via a small hole.  In the majority of cases the nerved is ‘trapped’ or irritated by ‘slipped’ or swollen disc.  With the correct chiropractic care most cases of sciatica can be resolved.