What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body. It runs from your lower spine, through your buttocks, and into your leg and foot. When the sciatic nerve is inflamed, it can cause numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in your lower back and leg.

Inflamed Joint
If a bone (vertebra) in your lower back isn't moving properly or is out of position, the joint can become inflamed and irritate the sciatic nerve.

Bulging Disc
If one of the cushions (discs) between your vertebrae is bulging, it can irritate or put pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Muscle Spasm
If a muscle in your lower back or buttock is inflamed or tightening (in spasm), it can irritate or put pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Can Chiropractic Care Help Me?
Your doctor of chiropractic looks at your overall health-focusing not only on your sciatica but also on your lifestyle. This total approach to wellness helps determine the best treatment for your problem.

History
To help find the cause of your sciatica, you and your chiropractor discuss your symptoms, such as where you feel pain. Your doctor of chiropractic also asks about any prior injuries, your health history, and your lifestyle, including work-related and leisure activities.

Physical Exam
Physical, orthopedic (bone and muscle), and neurological (nerve) tests can help reveal the condition of the vertebrae, discs, and muscles in your spine. Your chiropractor gently touches and moves your spine to locate muscle spasms and pain, and to see how well each vertebra moves.

Tests
X-rays may be done to reveal any problems with your vertebrae. If needed, other imaging tests, such as an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), may be used to show detailed images of discs, nerves , and other soft tissue.

Diagnosis
Based on the results of your exam and tests, your doctor of chiropractic may recommend a treatment program to relieve the irritation that's causing your pain and the symptoms. If needed, your chiropractor also consults with or refers you to other medical specialists.

How Does A Chiropractor Treat Sciatica?
Your doctor of chiropractic is trained to restore the health of your spine and sciatic nerve. Special chiropractic methods, called adjustments, may relieve the irritation that's causing your low-back or leg pain.

Spinal Adjustments
Your treatment depends on the cause of your sciatica. During a spinal adjustment, your chiropractor gently presses on your spine to relieve irritated nerves and increase movement in your joints.

Related Treatment
Your chiropractor may suggest other types of treatment to relieve irritated nerves. These may include electrical stimulation, ice or heat, massage, traction, or ultrasound. Your chiropractor can discuss these with you.

What Can I Do To Keep My Back In Shape?
Whether you're lying down, standing or sitting, keep your spine straight and well supported. Be sure to follow the exercise program your chiropractor gives you.

To help mold and align your spine, lie down for 15-20 minutes a day with a small pillow or small rolled-up towel under your neck and lower back. Keep your knee slightly bent. Check with your chiropractor before trying this.

Spinal Checkups
Just as you need regular dental exams, you also need regular spinal exams. Even if you don't have symptoms, chiropractic care is one of the best ways to manage or prevent spinal problems and maintain a healthier life.