Sciatica – Leg Pain

Sciatica is a set of symptoms including pain that may be caused by general compression or irritation of one of five spinal nerve roots, peripheral entrapment by the piriformis, hamstring, calf, or sacral ligaments. Symptoms include lower back pain, buttock pain, and pain, numbness or weakness in various parts of the leg and foot. Typically, the symptoms are only felt on one side of the body, the pain may radiate to the foot, below the knee, or only into the gluteal region.

More accurately, sciatica is a set of symptoms rather than a diagnosis for what is causing the actual pain. The treatment for sciatica or sciatic symptoms differs, depending upon the underlying cause of the pain.

Sciatica

Treatment

Sciatica can come from numerous causes, from stenosis, to disc herniations, piriformis syndrome, to muscle spasm of the hamstring or gastocnemius with peripheral nerve impingement. A thorough examination and detailed history is essential to differentially diagnosing what is the cause of a patient’s pain.

Our office treats spinal pain using a comprehensive approach, which can include Active Release Techniques, Graston, spinal decompression therapy, spinal manipulation, combined with home stretching and ultimately core stabilization exercises.

Related Articles:

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Active Release Techniques

Graston Technique

(link to article on DTS link, manipulation link, core stability article link)