Sciatica

Your Health

Shooting pain in the leg may be the result of a condition called sciatica (sign-AT-uh-cuh).  It is named after the sciatic nerve, which branches off the spinal cord in the lower back and passes through the buttock, the back of the leg and into the calf and foot.  If the nerve becomes compressed, as through pressure from a disc, it can result in shooting pain, numbness, tingling, burning, aching and weakness in the leg.  The discomfort can become severe enough to impede walking.

Sciatica pain is a condition that can be eased considerably with chiropractic treatment.  Compression of the sciatic nerve is not always the result of a disc problem and a chiropractor’s manipulating the spine and loosening tight muscles may bring considerable relief.  The chiropractor may order x-rays, an  MRI-magnetic resonance imaging-of the lower back, or an EMG-an electromyogram-which tests the function of muscles and nerves.  The EMG can help determine if the sciatica is the result of nerve disease.  Sciatica is a condition commonly treated in a chiropractic office.  A spinal misalignment can pinch the nerve and an adjustment by a chiropractor often solves the problem.