Sciatica is the term/symptom of low back pain that radiates from the low back out to the buttocks and down the leg. It is named for the rather large sciatic nerves that branch off from the spinal cord in your lower back and run down both legs to your feet. Compression of a sciatic nerve at the root where it branches off from the spinal cord can cause this radiating pain. Commonly this appears to be caused by a herniated disc, where the disc between the bones of the spine bulges out and pushes on the nerve. There can be other causes of sciatica like degenerative changes to the bone but as herniated discs are often seen in sciatica patients they often thought to be the culprit. Surgeons previously believed sciatica treatment required surgery to remove the bulging portion of the disc in order to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and relieve the pain. But it turns out that surgery is only effective some of the time and that the herniated disc is not always the problem. Indeed imaging studies often show herniated discs in patients with no related pain or sciatica symptoms. Further patients with sciatica and herniated discs often get relief with conservative measures like chiropractic care yet subsequent imaging shows the herniation is still present.

MOST COMMON SCIATICA SYMPTOMS

• Pain radiating along the distribution of the sciatic nerve, from the lumbar spine (lower back) and down one leg.
• Mild tingling
• Dull ache
• Burning sensation (typically on one side of the body)
• Pins and needles sensation (most often in the toes and foot)
• Numbness or muscle weakness in the involved leg or foot

Pain from sciatica usually begins mildly, gradually increasing over time. In addition, the pain often intensifies after sitting for long periods, sneezing, coughing, bending, or other sudden movements.

Sciatica Treatment in Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Merrifield, Vienna, Tysons Corner, Falls Church and surrounding areas).

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