Dr. Tracie M. Cusimano
Huntington Beach Chiropractor

Sciatica

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The longest nerve in the body is the sciatic nerve. It is formed by several nerves of the lumbar spine and sacrum. It travels from your pelvis to the buttocks where it divides into who smaller nerves, the tibial and peroneal nerves which travel down the legs. It provides feeling to your thighs, legs and feet and has a motor component which controls the muscles in your lower extremity. Sciatica is a term that describes radiating pain along the path of this nerve.

 

Causes of Sciatica

 

When the sciatic nerve is compressed, irritation can lead to pain, numbness, tingling and muscle spasms. The sciatic nerve is most commonly compressed in the lumbar spine. The usual culprits are herniated or bulging discs and bone spurs resulting from degenerative disc disease or osteoarthritis. Another common cause of sciatica is piriformis syndrome. The piriformis is a triangular shaped muscle that is located deep in theregion of the buttock. The sciatic nerve travels directly beneath the piriformis. If the piriformis is in muscle spasm or tight, direct irritation of the sciatic nerve can occur. Sometimes, sciatic pain can be caused by sitting on a wallet.