In everyday language, the term sciatica is used for back pain that radiates from the lower back down into one leg, and sometimes all the way to the foot. There is also "pseudo-sciatica," which can be caused by, for example, overloading the back.
In a medical sense, however, the term is limited to describing pain conditions caused by mechanical and/or chemical irritation of the sciatic nerve. Often, the gluteal muscles, for instance, can cause pain that resembles sciatica. The causes of muscle-related issues can include prolonged, repetitive work postures, or insufficient or incorrect exercise.
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When dealing with sciatica, it is important to determine whether the pain is caused solely by tight muscles or if there is mechanical irritation of the sciatic nerve. If a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis is suspected, the naprapath will refer you to an orthopedist for further investigation. In the event of acute symptoms, such as an inability to control bladder or bowel function, you should go directly to the emergency room for evaluation. If the cause of the pain is purely muscular, it is generally responsive to treatment.
