The Sciatic nerve runs from the spinal area in the lower back through the hip and down to the upper part of the leg which is also known as the Femur. Sciatica is the name that refers to the pain that is caused in the leg, lower back, and buttocks when the nerve is aggravated or has pressure on it.

How do you know if you have Sciatica? You may experience suddenly feel pain in your hip, and down only one leg. It could also feel numb and may hurt more when you sitting than when you are standing. Although most people suffer from sort of back pain throughout their lives, it usually doesn’t involve the sciatic nerve. Sciatica can last for several days, and surprisingly, most people that get sciatica are in the age range of 3o to 50.

There are three main causes of sciatica:

1. Herniated Disk – The disks in your spine are like cushions between the vertebrae and they can get weaker as you get older. Sometimes the gel like substance in the disk can extend out from it’s lining and affect the sciatic nerve. This is the worst type of sciatica and can last for up to 5 weeks.
2. Piriformis Syndrome – This is a muscle that is buried inside the buttocks and connects the spine to the thighbone. If there are muscle spasms in the piriformis, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause pain. This if the most common form of sciatica.
3. Misalignment of the pelvis – The pelvis is made up of three bones that need to work together. Sometimes one of them becomes stuck and can put pressure on the surrounding muscles and put pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Your chiropractor will assess your condition and determine the cause of your pain. They may also take a look at your posture and recommend that you modify how you sit at a desk and to be conscious of keeping your head high and shoulders back as you walk. There could be many things contributing to the pain that you feel.

In this short video, Dr. Delfo from Thousand Oaks California gives us his take on sciatica and how he deals with this ailment.