The sciatic nerve is actually a large nerve (about the size of your thumb) that originates off of the lower spine and travels down the back of the legs and into the feet. Each buttock and leg have one sciatic nerve traversing them.
When the sciatic nerve is irritated or “pinched”, it can lead to a variety if symptoms including pain, numbness, weakness, a burning sensation, or even the feeling of electric shock in the leg.
Lumbar Subluxation is the term used to describe the misalignment of joints in the lower back. This misalignment can lead to irritation or impingement of the sciatic nerve, leading to the symptoms that can occur.
The intervertebral discs separate each lumbar vertebrae. If the gel-like contents of the disc are able to ooze out (because the disc is damaged), the sciatic nerve can become involved and produce symptoms into the leg.
Occasionally, a nerve, like the sciatic nerve, can be trapped by muscles or soft tissue as it traverses down the back of the leg. One specific condition that can cause this problem is “Piriformis Syndrome”. The piriformis muscle is located in the buttock area and the sciatic nerve pierces it as it winds into the leg. If the piriformis muscle is spasmed, this can lead to the pinching of the sciatic nerve.
We have treated many patients who suffered from sciatica and required
sciatica treatment. If you, or someone you love, suffers from low back pain or sciatica, we would begin with a discussion with Dr. Ungar.
If we feel that we can help your problem and you decide to begin with a treatment plan, we will work with you to help resolve your problem.
