BodyKey Chiropractors regularly treat sciatica and evidence demonstrates proven effective relief from pain and symptoms.

Sciatica is the Latin word for “Pain down the back of the leg” Sciatica is referred pain usually caused by trapping the sciatic nerve in the lower back.

The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down through the buttocks and along the back of each leg. Sciatica is pain along this nerve and is a relatively common form of back pain and is usually caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve from a herniated or bulging disc.

The pain from sciatica can be anything from infrequent and irritating to severe and debilitating. Usually, it affects only one side, the pain radiating through the buttock and down the leg and is often associated with a constant pain on one side of the buttocks, pain in the leg and/or buttock that may be worse when sitting , burning or tingling down the leg, weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot or a shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up.

While sciatica can be extremely painful and uncomfortable, it is rare that permanent nerve damage (tissue damage) results. Most people with sciatica improve within a few months and sometimes even sooner. Even those who have a lot of discomfort are not necessarily in need of surgery.

At BodyKey Chiropractic we will offer low force and non-surgical ways for you to move more comfortably during your recovery. Resting is often not the best thing as sitting or laying in bed can actually weaken your back and could cause symptoms and recovery to last longer. Keeping moving within your pain tolerance is important and if you have the need to rest then do so but only for a short time and get up and move around.

When you are in pain it is very difficult to think that you will return to normal,however, it will probably begin to feel better.

Typically, sciatica is made worse by bending, lifting, sneezing and coughing.

Sciatica is a common problem for manual workers, sedentary office workers and is particularly prevalent during pregnancy.

Chiropractic Treatment main objectives are

  • reduce pain
  • restore movement
  • strengthen weakened muscles

Causes of Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is the main nerve in the leg and the largest in the body. It runs from the base of the spine, along the back of the thigh to the knee, where it divides into branches.

Sciatic pain is usually caused by compression of this nerve root at the point where it leaves the spine. Damage to the nerve can also cause pain.

In young and early middle-aged adults, the most common cause of sciatica is a prolapsed intervertebral disc in the lumbosacral area of the lower back.

In older people, changes in the spine due to conditions such as osteoarthritis may be responsible either by causing localised pressure on the nerve or by narrowing of the spinal canal – called spinal stenosis.

Other bone disease or local injury may also be responsible.

Pressure on the sciatic nerve can result from a number of reasons including

  • Sometimes, just sitting awkwardly can cause sciatica.
  • Piriformis syndrome (tightness of the piriformis muscle in the buttock that compresses the sciatic nerve)
  • Spinal misalignments, vertebral dysfunction
  • Herniated disc
  • Poor posture – wearing high heels, prolonged sitting, poor mattress
  • Poor lifting technique and poor bending habits
  • Spinal compressions due to osteoporosis

Diagnosis of Sciatica

Since there are many disorders that can cause sciatica, your chiropractors’ first task is to determine the exact cause of your sciatic nerve interference.

Chiropractic treatment

  • Always begins with a thorough history,
  • Spinal, orthopaedic and neurological examination.
  • Special diagnostic imaging investigations such as X-ray, CT, MRI if determined to be necessary

Treatment of Sciatica

Chiropractic treatment aims to get your spinal joints moving as well as easing muscular tension in the lower spine, buttock and leg.

This is achieved by using a combination of the following techniques:

  • Spinal mobilisations
  • Massage therapy and trigger point therapy
  • Stretching tight muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments
  • Advice in relation to how to minimise pressure and irritation of the sciatic nerve

In addition to this, you will be given rehabilitation exercises  to help aid your recovery.

For further information, or to consult with one of our skilled Chiropractors you can use the Contact Us or Appointment Request buttons at the top or bottom of this page, call our Indooroopilly practice on 3878-1110, or visit BodyKey’s chiropractic clinic at 60 Coonan Street in Indooroopilly.