Sciatica refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. It is caused by injury to or pressure on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symptom of another medical problem, not a medical condition on its own. The pain most often occurs on one side. Some people have sharp pain in one part of the leg or hip and numbness in other parts. The pain or numbness may also be felt on the back of the calf or on the sole of the foot. The affected leg may feel weak.
Treatment
Most cases of sciatica can be effectively treated by physical therapy and sciatic nerve exercises and appropriate changes in environment (for example cushioning, or chair and desk height). Chiropractic manipulation often helps. In approximately 10-20% of cases, surgery is required to correct the problem. (more…)