Sciatica is a relatively common form of low back pain and leg pain. In the last post I discussed briefly about what sciatica is. It is not a diagnosis, but rather a symptom, and its most common cause is a herniated disc. I promised at the end of that post I would discuss a few of the other causes of sciatica. Sciatica results from pressure placed on the sciatic nerve, resulting in irritation and the presenting symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, and/or weakness. There are many ways this nerve can become compressed. The following will discuss some of the other more common causes other than a herniated disc.

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. The spinal canal is the area of the body the vertebra surrounds which the spinal cord travels through. This area can become narrowed due to arthritis, degeneration, or tumors. It can become so narrow as to put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves coming off the cord resulting in sciatica.

Degenerative disc disease leads to a decrease in the height of the spinal disc. When this height becomes decreased, the area between each vertebra where the nerve exits becomes narrowed. This decreased space allows less room for the nerve to exit and can result in the nerve becoming compressed and irritated, resulting in sciatica.

Pregnancy often results in sciatica. The increased pressure and load on the spine from the growing baby can cause sciatica. The increased stress on the body can also result in muscles becoming overworked and spasmed. This can result in piriformis syndrome.

Piriformis syndrome occurs when spasm of the piriformis muscle causes pressure and irritation to the sciatic nerve. The piriformis muscle is located in the gluteal region and the sciatic nerve passes directly underneath this muscle. If the muscle becomes swollen and inflamed due to spasm it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and result in sciatica.

Trauma can result in sciatica. A fall, car accident, or other trauma can result in pressure and injury to the nerves. This could be due to a fracture pressing on the nerves or blunt trauma to the nerve itself. During a trauma nerves can also become severely stretched which can really irritate them. This stretching type injury is similar to what is known as a “stinger”.

Spondylolisthesis is a condition that occurs when one of your vertebra slides forward over another. This sliding can occur due to a congenital birth defect, degeneration, or stress fractures commonly scene in gymnasts. When the vertebra slides forward in can pinch the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves resulting in sciatica.

These are several causes of sciatica other than a herniated disc. If you are experiencing sciatica you should seek care in order to determine the cause. Your doctor of chiropractic will take a thorough history and exam to find the cause of your sciatica. If at anytime you lose control of your bowel or bladder function you should seek emergency care.

Fortunately, 80 to 90 percent of patients with sciatica will recover without surgery. Chiropractic is the perfect non-invasive solution for many suffering with this life altering condition. Get your life back today by taking a step to correct your problem.