Many patients who have low back pain with related leg pain often get diagnosed with sciatica pain. But what is sciatica pain? And is it truly the root of your problem?

The sciatic nerve runs form your lower back and down the back of your leg. When this nerve gets irritated the pain can be felt from your low back with shooting pains down the back of your leg, often with numbness and tingling.

Irritation of the spinal nerve roots in the lower back can be caused by pressure from a prolapsed or degenerative disc resulting in sciatica symptoms.

Here is a video showing how your sciatica may be caused. 

However other conditions can have similar presentations such as sacroiliac joint dysfunction and piriformis syndrome. It is also important to note that non-musculoskeletal conditions such as diabetes and B-12 deficiency can also cause numbness and tingling into the legs. Therefore it is important to have an accurate diagnosis.

Chiropractors are primary care physicians that will be able to diagnose and treat your condition. In some cases disc prolapses may be too severe or other complications may be present therefore you will be referred to an appropriate consultant.  

By Simon Leung DC, MChiro