Chiropractic Care

Diagnosis and Treatment of Sciatic Nerve PainDr. Kirk Johnson B.S., D.C., F.A.S.A.

Sciatic pain, what is it?

Sciatic nerve pain, also commonly called “Sciatica”

The sciatic nerve carries sensory and motor function to the lower extremities.

This very large nerve can be the source of many symptoms of pain in the lower extremities

Symptoms of Sciatica

Cramping sensation in the thigh Radiating pain from the buttock down the

back of the leg Tingling in the legs Numbness in the legs Burning sensation in legs or thigh area Severe cases present with muscle weakness

Symptoms of Sciatica

Most often the symptoms are seen only on one side

If the symptoms are present on both sides the disc bulge is usually more severe

Most often the symptoms are continuous Literally a pain in the butt!

Anatomy of the Sciatic Nerve

Causes of Sciatica

Lumbar spine disc bulge Most common cause of sciatica This can occur from simple bending and twisting

movements When this happens, the patient reports stabbing

and shooting pain that travels down the leg This radiating pain is very indicative of a disc

lesion

Causes of Sciatica

Piriformis Syndrome The piriformis muscle goes from the sacrum to the

hip In most of the population the sciatic nerve actually

pierces through the belly of the piriformis muscle An over contraction of the piriformis will lead to

sciatic like symptoms. Pain is usually located more in the buttock area

with slight radiation

Causes of Sciatica

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction The sacroiliac joint affects the biomechanics in the

pelvis When a fixation occurs at this joint the patient will

experience muscle tightness The muscle tightness will then lead to sciatic like

symptoms Pain is usually more localized to the hip and

buttock area, rarely below the knee

Treatment for Sciatica

Lumbar disc bulge A complete orthopedic and neurological

examination to determine level of disc bulge MRI may be necessary to determine extent of

damage Chiropractic manipulation with acupuncture yields

excellent results Interferential therapy and cold laser may be used

to reduce inflammation and pain Enzyme therapy will help recovery time

Treatment for Sciatica

Piriformis syndrome Examination to rule out disc bulge Determine piriformis function, i.e. muscle is too

tight or too weak. Treat the piriformis with cold laser and manual

muscle techniques Chiropractic manipulation to restore proper pelvic

biomechanics Acupuncture to relieve pain

Treatment for Sciatica

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SIJ) Exam to rule out disc bulge Chiropractic manipulation to reduce the fixated

joint Cold laser therapy for inflammation and pain Acupuncture treatment for pain

Treatment Duration The dreaded lumbar disc bulge will take the

longest to return to normal I have had patients respond in as little as 5 visits,

and upwards of 30 visits

Piriformis syndrome may take up to 4 weeks, usually I see a large reduction in symptoms in 2 weeks

SIJ dysfunction can take the least amount of time to correct I have seen results in 2 visits, it could take 8 visits.

Enzyme Therapy

Nutri-West’s Lyso-Lyph-Forte Natural and effective No side effects (no stomach pain) Uses natural enzymes to help decrease

inflammation and regulate pain pathways Decreases recovery time Used by professional athletes