Sciatica Pain Relief.

The sciatic nerve is the largest single nerve in the body and is made up of individual nerve roots that start by branching out from the spine in the lower back and then combine to form the “sciatic nerve.” Sciatica symptoms occur when the large sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed at or near its point of origin. We at Keystone Physical Medicine in Boise see this happen most of the time when the spinal vertebra have been displaced or subluxated for a long period of time resulting in mild to moderate Degenerate Disc Disease. Sciatica can be very serious if not resolved early in its origination.

The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back, typically at the Lumbar segment 3 or L3.
At each level of the lower spine a nerve root exits from the inside of the spinal canal, and each of these respective nerve roots then come together to form the large sciatic nerve.
The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back, through the buttock, and down the back of each leg.
Portions of the sciatic nerve then branch out in each leg to innervate certain parts of the leg, thigh, calf, foot, and toes.

What side of the body is the Sciatic nerve on?

The sciatic nerve is the largest of any one single nerve the body. It runs from each side of the lower Lumbar spine through the buttocks into the back of the thigh and all the way down the leg to the foot. It serves a vital role in connecting the spinal cord with the leg and foot muscles.

What does the Sciatic nerve control?

Think of the sciatic nerve controlling everything below the belly button. There are thousands of branches that come off the sciatic nerve they control and innervate a vast amount of movement, function, and sensation.

What is the sciatica pain?

Anything that puts pressure on or irritates this nerve can cause pain that shoots down the back of one buttock or thigh. The sensation of pain can vary widely. Sciatica may feel like a mild ache, a sharp or burning sensation, or extreme debilitating discomfort. Sciatica can also cause feelings of numbness, weakness, and tingling in any part of the lower extremity such as buttocks, hip, thigh, calf and foot.

What is Lumbago with Sciatica?

Pain in the lower part of the back is commonly referred to as Lumbago. It can be defined as mild to severe pain or discomfort in the area of the lower back. The pain can be acute (sudden) or chronic if it has lasted more than 8-12 weeks. Most people will experience lumbago at some point in their life. Low back pain with sciatica is absolutely possible. Low back pain can have multiple different origins such as facet syndrome, disc degeneration, subluxation, piriformis syndrome, and sciatica to name a few. Low back can be very complex and a thorough exam and diagnosis is essential to providing a solution that is effective and long term.

When is Sciatica Serious?

Low back pain with Sciatica should always be examined prior to the issue becoming more serious. If your sciatic pain is excruciating, intense, traveling or radiating down one leg or both, you are experiencing tingling or numbness from the lower back to the feet, or you are experiencing any weakness or paralysis you should seek expert care immediately. At Keystone Physical Medicine we are here to help, and give you true answers whether or not we feel you would be a good candidate for what we do in our clinic.

What can a Chiropractor do to help?

At Keystone Physical Medicine we are experts when it comes to your lower back complaints, including sciatica. We will take the time to provide a thorough consultation and exam on your scheduled appointment. We will provide a customized treatment plan that is specific to your condition and concerns. Keystone Physical Medicine takes pride in providing long-term results through objective measures.