Sciatica is a term for pain that radiates down the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down the back of your legs. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of the body at a time, however, it can happen bilaterally, depending on the cause. The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the body. If you are experiencing lower back pain that is radiating into your buttock or gluteals, or down the back of your leg, it could be an indication of a sciatic nerve or potential disc issue. Remember, sciatica is just a symptom and not a disorder on itself. There are many variables that can cause sciatica symptoms, so proper diagnosis of your specific case is crucial before commencing any treatment.

There are several ways the sciatic nerve can become irritated. Inflamed or “bulging” or “herniated” discs can put pressure on the nerve up-stream of the sciatic nerve, causing symptoms down the legs. Additionally, the sciatic nerve can become compressed or irritated anywhere along its path down the leg. A common area of entrapment is the Piriformis muscle, a small muscle on the back of your hip responsible for hip motion. Your Morton Grove chiropractor at Active Health Spine & Sport, Dr. Damir Simunac has extensive training in sciatic nerve release, including ART (Active Release Technique) Long Tract Nerve Entrapment certification.

Treatment typically consists of a proper assessment and evaluation to determine whether the sciatica symptoms are a result of a peripheral nerve entrapment or a more central lesion such as a disc bulge. Once the proper diagnosis has been established, treatment can consist of chiropractic adjustments or manipulations to the lumbar spine or SI (sacroiliac joint), extremity manipulation, soft tissue work or myofascial release of tension in connective tissue, functional dry needling and nerve gliding exercises.