SCIATICA IS CAUSED BY NERVE COMPRESSION

By: Dr. Donna A. Pontoriero, Chiropractor

A misconception is that sciatica is a disorder -- however, sciatica is really a symptom of a disorder. Sciatica is generally caused by sciatic nerve compression.

Disorders known to cause sciatic nerve pain include lumbar spine subluxations (misaligned vertebral bodies), herniated or bulging discs, pregnancy and childbirth, tumors, and non-spinal disorders such as diabetes, constipation, or sitting on one's back pocket wallet.

Sciatica is characterized by pain that originates in the low back or buttock and travels into one or both legs. Sciatic nerve pain varies in intensity and frequency; minimal, moderate, severe and occasional, intermittent, frequent or constant.

Pain is described as dull, achy, sharp, toothache-like, pins and needles, or similar to electric shocks.

Other symptoms associated with sciatica include burning, numbness and tingling sensations. Sciatica is also radiating or referred pain, neuropathy, or neuralgia.

Doctors of chiropractic medicine regularly treat sciatica.

However, sciatica can sometimes be caused by other disorders beyond the scope of chiropractic practice. If the doctor of chiropractic determines the patient's disorder requires treatment by another type of doctor, then the patient is referred to another specialty. In some cases, the referring chiropractor may continue to treat the patient and co-manage the patients's care with the other specialist.

Please contact our office if you would like further evaluation on your condition.

Dr. Donna Pontoriero can be reached at 299 Franklin Ave, Nutley NJ 07110, 973-235-9393.