Is It Sciatica? Low Back & Leg Pain

Hello, this is Dr. Morgan from Morgan Chiropractic. In this month’s article, we will discuss the different types of leg pain that can occur with different low back pain (LBP) conditions. LBP can be localized and contained to only the low back area or it can radiate pain down the leg. This distinction is important as the former, LBP only, is often less complicated and carries a more favorable prognosis for complete recovery.

We’ve all heard of the word sciatica and it (usually) is loosely used to describe everything from LBP arising from the joints in the back, from the sacroiliac joint, from the muscles of the low back, and even from a pinched nerve caused by a ruptured disk. Strictly speaking, the term “sciatica” should ONLY be used when the sciatic nerve is pinched. The sciatic nerve is made up of five smaller nerves (L4, L5, S1, S2, S3) that arise from the spine and join together to form one large nerve (about the size of our pinky) called the sciatic nerve – like five small rivers merging into one BIG river.

Sciatica occurs when any one of the small nerves (L4-S3) or when the sciatic nerve itself becomes compressed or irritated. This can be (and often is) caused from a lumbar disk herniation (the “ruptured disk”), a mis-positioned vertebra (such as a forward slip of the vertebra called “spondylolisthesis”), pressure from an arthritic spur off the spine where the nerve exits (“spinal stenosis”), or from a tumor near or around the nerve. A term called pseudosciatica (a non-disk cause) includes a pinch from the piriformis muscle in the buttocks.

At Morgan Chiropractic, we understand that every patient is unique and requires individualized care. We offer consultations to help you understand your condition and how chiropractic care can help you. During your consultation, we will discuss your medical history and perform an examination to determine if chiropractic care is right for you.

If you are experiencing leg pain or any other symptoms related to LBP, please schedule a consultation with us today. We are here to help you get back to living your life pain-free.