Benjamin Horning DC

Laguna Hills CA Chiropractor

Sciatica is a common condition that affects many people worldwide. It is a pain that radiates from the low back down the leg. It can also cause numbness and tingling as well. This is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve – thus sciatica. The source of this irritation can vary. There are two typical causes of sciatic. Sciatica originating from the low back and sciatica originating from the butt specifically specific butt muscle – the piriformis muscle.

Sciatica Originating from the Low Back

The most common cause of sciatica is a disc bulge or herniation compressing the sciatic nerve. Symptoms include pain radiating from the back into the hip, down the back of the leg. It can even go into the foot. Common symptoms include constant pain, low back pain, weakness, numbness and difficulty moving the leg or pain when moving the leg, especially with a straightened leg. Sciatica from the back can be diagnosed from physical exams and/or imaging.

Sciatica from the Piriformis (the Butt)

Piriformis syndrome is another cause of sciatica. This is when the piriformis compresses the sciatic nerve. This nerve either goes through the piriformis or goes under it. So if the piriformis is inflamed or there is dysfunction with the muscle the nerve can be compressed The symptoms of piriformis syndrome are similar to those of sciatica originating from the low back, however they can be more localized to the buttocks region. Standing or sitting for too long may aggravate it. However heating the area or movement may decrease the pain do to heat blood flow relaxing the muscle. Diagnosis can be obtained from physical exams in specific cases imaging.

Conclusion

Both a disc herniation or piriformis syndrome can really be debilitating. Sometimes the sciatica can even be from both causes. Luckily chiropractic care can help in many cases. Traction, cupping, acupuncture, kinesio-taping and PT can also help. In serious cases surgery may be the only option. However, in my experience conservative chiropractic care has helped resolve most of my sciatica patients. So go check out your favorite Laguna Hills CA Chiropractor and let’s get this handled!