Sciatica is pain in the buttock and leg, caused by pressure on nerves in the lower back. The pressure can be triggered by slipped vertebral discs, pinched nerves or some forms of arthritis. As a result, treatment for sciatica is based on diagnosis of a damaged disc, despite the fact that nerves cannot be viewed with routine imaging tests. Consequently, over one million patients each year undergo magnetic resonance imaging scans (MRI) for sciatica and many are told there is no obvious cause for their pain. The main cause of sciatica is the prolapsing of an intervertebral disc , a slipped disc , which then presses on the nerve at the spinal root. Occasionally, this comes about through an organic problem such as a tumour pressing on the nerve, so it is important to consult a doctor.

It is important that you contact your chiropractor when the pain originally begins. A number of sciatica treatments can be prescribed (that don't include surgery or medications) to help with your sciatica. Most sciatica pain syndromes result from inflammation and will get better within two weeks to a few months. Also, because the spinal cord is not present in the lower (lumbar) spine, a herniated disc in this area of the anatomy does not present a danger of paralysis. This may be the most painful, yet easiest, condition to identify. A ruptured or herniated disk is one that bulges and extends into the spinal canal, pressing on the nerve roots.

In the meantime, it is important to listen to the warning signals your body is giving you and stop doing whatever aggravates the pain. Half of all pregnant women experience back pain as a result of the narrowing of sciatic nerve exit sites. As the abdomen protrudes and weight is shifted forward, the normal lumbar curve is exaggerated, curving the spinal column and pinching the nerves. Pain down the leg can be reproduced by lifting the leg straight up off the examining table.

Many people find that using either hot or cold compression packs can help reduce pain. You can make you own cold compression pack by wrapping a package of frozen food in a towel. Your doctor may use the straight-leg-raise test - lifting the leg to a 90-degree angle without bending the knee - to help locate the point of pain. Other tests may include an X-ray, or scans like computed assisted tomography (CT or CAT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). You may need to use them until you can put weight on your leg without pain. Using these devices may decrease stress and strain on your lower back and leg muscles.