A common form of spine compression is sciatica.  The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that extends from the lower back to the back of both legs and commonly affects one side of the lower body.  A few signs of sciatica are:

• Difficulty moving the leg or feet accompanied by weakness and numbness
• Tingling or burning sensations down either leg
• Consistent pain on either buttock
• Difficulty standing up caused by a shooting pain
• Pain in the rear or leg(s) that becomes worse when sitting

Some people experience infrequent yet annoying back pain. Unfortunately, others suffer from acute to debilitating sciatic back pain.  One cause of sciatica is when the lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine are irritated.  Other causes are spondylolisthesis (where one vertebra slips forward over the other), lumbar spinal stenosis (where the spinal canal in the lower back becomes narrow), degenerative disc disease (where there is a breakdown of the discs) and finally, pregnancy.

Ways to minimize sciatica should include maintaining good posture, assuring the lower back has the appropriate support when sitting and avoiding long periods of sitting or standing.

Likely sciatica will get better on its own within a few days or weeks. Sufferers that experience pain that seems to worsen over time may need to include an exercise routine that includes a form of physical therapy.  For those that feel they need more intense treatments may find relief with nonsurgical spinal decompression.  To experience a more active lifestyle, free from sciatica, call our office today for an assessment of your condition.