Sciatica

Sciatica is a severe pain in the leg caused from compression or
irritation of the sciatic nerve.

The sciatic nerves are the largest (and longest) nerves of the body,
reaching about the size of your thumb in diameter, and the running
down the back of the leg. When these nerves are irritated or affected
by inflammation of nearby soft tissues, doctors refer to this as
sciatica.  

One of the most common causes of sciatic leg pain is the Vertebral
Subluxation Complex. It can be accomplished by the bulging or
herniation of the soft, pulpy discs which separate each spinal bone.
This can irritate or put pressure on the sciatic nerve roots as the
leave the spinal cord. The result can be an intense pain shooting
down either or both legs.

In the past, treatment has involved pain medications, muscle
relaxers, physical therapy, and even surgery. The chiropractic
approach is to use carefully directed and controlled pressure to
remove the interference from the spinal structures. These
chiropractic “adjustments” can be quite effective in reducing nerve
irritation and its associated pain.

Sciatica, like other health problems that can be traced to the spine,
often respond dramatically to the restoration of normal spine function
through chiropractic care.