Sciatica is the term gained from pain or symptoms associated with the nerve arising from the lumbosacral region, the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve can be irritated in the lower spine, the hip or entrapped via muscles as it passes down the hip and pelvic regions. Symptoms are often described in the hip, down the back of the leg and calf, and sole of the foot.
As the sciatic nerve descends the leg, it divides into two main branches, the tibial and common peroneal nerves. Both of these nerves are susceptible to irritation down the leg and have their own identifiable signs and symptoms, mainly of the lower leg, ankle and foot regions.
Signs and symptoms our Geelong chiropractors may see:
- Pain and symptoms typically in one leg only
- Leg symptoms predominantly (with or without back pain)
- Altered sensation of the outer thigh and foot
- Altered function and/or weakness of the posterior leg muscles (i.e. hamstrings, calves)
- Pain with coughing, sneezing or straining (if suspected disc/nerve root injury)
Chiropractic care is focused on determining the underlying source of irritation and injury, once this is understood, a variety of manual and rehabilitative therapies can be administered for pain relief, improving mobility and function to involved areas.
Typical care may include:
- Manual therapy
- Exercise & rehabilitation
- Activity & lifestyle modifications
