True sciatica is an irritation of the sciatic nerve, which arises from smaller nerves that branch off from the spinal cord in the lower back.
Sciatica and sciatica-like symptoms consist of pain, burning, stabbing, tingling, numbness, and/or other unpleasant sensations in the buttock and back of the leg, sometimes extending all the way to the foot. Most cases of true sciatica are associated with bulging or rupture of one or more discs (the soft-tissue "shock-absorbers between the spinal bones) in the lumbar spine. Such disc problems can
be caused by traumas (such as falls, car accidents, etc.), improper lifting, and/or repetetive "microtrauma" (bending, twisting, long periods of sitting in unsupportive chairs, etc.). Other conditions can mimic the symptoms of sciatica. The most common of these sciatica-like conditions is "piriformis syndrome", which is caused by abnormal contraction in the piriformis muscle, located in the lower buttock area. Piriformis syndrome is associated with the extremes of activity involving the hip muscles. For example, it can be brought on by long periods of sitting (such as on a long car trip), or by excessive exertion (such as bicycling for several hours). This page is hosted by Dr. George Best, D.C., a chiropractor with over 19 years of clinical experiencein treating sciatica and other musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Best provides information on the causes of sciatica as well as tips for effective self-treatment and information on the pros and cons of the various professional diagnostic and treatment options.
