Sciatica refers to pain down the leg that most typically originates from the lower or lumbar spine. Sciatica can be very painful and can go all the way down to the foot, and can even be associated with numbness and tingling. It can be caused by herniated and bulging discs, spinal stenosis, arthritis, and even muscle spasm. Sciatica can effectively be treated conservatively with chiropractic medicine and physical therapy. Some patients will need interventional injections like epidurals to alleviate the pain and inflammation of sciatica. Lastly, sometimes spine surgery is needed when all non-operative care has not helped resolve the pain.
