Chiropractic Care for Sciatica

Sciatica is pain, numbness or weakness that travels along the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the buttock and down one leg; it describes a set of symptoms rather than a diagnosis in itself. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, formed from the L4–S3 nerve roots. When any of these roots is compressed or irritated, most commonly by a herniated disc, a bone spur or a tight piriformis muscle, the typical shooting or burning pain follows the nerve's path, usually on one side. It is common in people who sit for long hours, and is often worse when sitting, bending or coughing. At Bewell's Novena clinic, opening soon, a Gonstead chiropractor assesses your lower back and pelvis by hand, segment by segment: observing your posture, checking for temperature differences along the spine with an instrument, and feeling how each level sits and moves, to look for where the nerve irritation may start. Adjustments are made by hand, and only where the findings support them. Leg weakness that is getting worse, numbness in the groin or saddle area, or any loss of bladder or bowel control needs urgent assessment by a registered doctor.