The Sciatic Nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body. The Sciatic nerve begins in the lower back that branch from the nerves of the lumbar spine from L4, L5, S1, S2 and S3. These nerves extend down to your pelvis, thigh, knee, calf, ankle, foot and toes.
Sciatica is a condition when the Sciatic nerve becomes inflamed or pinched causing severe radiating pain into the buttock and down your leg. Sciatica can occur by its self or with low back pain. Sciatica pain can be described as a sharp stabbing burning pain, pins needles, numbing, cramping or throbbing pain. Patient will come to see me and tell me how difficult it is to sleep, walk, bend, twist, sit or stand.
The most common cause of Sciatica is when the nerve coming out of the spinal cord becomes compressed. This compression occurs when the lumbar disc bulges, protrudes or herniates. The most common nerves to be compressed are L4, L5 or S1. Each different nerve corresponds to a different area of the leg, foot or toe.
If the Sciatica is caused by a bulging, protruding or herniated disc the most effective non surgical treatment is spinal decompression. We at San Diego Neck and Back Pain Relief Center specialize in the treatment of Sciatica utilizing Non Surgical Spinal Decompression.