What Causes Sciatica?

Have you been diagnosed with sciatica and are unsure how it developed? Or, do you think you may have this painful leg condition and want to know what may be the underlying cause? Either way, you deserve answers, and Dr. Palmer, your trusted Cheektowaga chiropractor, is here to provide them.

Common Causes of Sciatica

One of the most common causes of sciatica is a herniated or bulging disc in the lumbar (lower back) area of your spine as this can impinge your sciatic nerve, causing pain that radiates down your leg. It is also possible that you have a tiny stress fracture which is allowing one vertebrae to slip over another, which is called isthmic spondylolisthesis.

Sciatica can also be the direct result of degenerative disc disease, a condition that often occurs with normal aging. It basically means that your discs weaken over time, potentially causing you great discomfort as you grow older.

Pregnancy can create sciatica due to the increased pressure on the spine, as can any buildup of scar tissue in the lumbar area, such as from previous injuries. Muscle strain can also cause inflammation, creating sciatica, as can an infection in the lower area of your back.

In some cases, sciatica can be caused by a tumorous growth which places pressure on the sciatic nerve. This is rare, but it can occur so you need to be aware of it.

Treatment of Sciatica

Fortunately, all of these common causes of sciatica can usually be easily remedied with regular visits to your Cheektowaga chiropractor. Call Dr. Palmer at Buffalo Chiropractic Center today and begin to relieve your leg pain tomorrow!