Sciatic Nerve Pain 101 | Chiropractor for Disc Injuries in Sun Prairie, WI
Hi everyone, Dr. Kasi here from Harvest Chiropractic in Sun Prairie. Today, I want to discuss two common conditions we frequently see in our office: sciatica and facet syndrome.
What is Sciatica?
Many of you might be familiar with sciatica, which is typically characterized by symptoms such as numbness, tingling, shooting or burning pain, and pins and needles. These sensations extend from the low back into the glute, down the back of the leg, and into the foot, particularly affecting the big toe. It usually affects one side of the body rather than both simultaneously.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica can result from several issues. One cause is a herniated disc in the spine, which can compress the nerves. Another more common cause we encounter is arthritis, leading to disc degeneration. This degeneration reduces the space available for nerves to exit the spine, putting direct pressure on them and causing sensory issues down to the leg and foot, including weakness.
What is Facet Syndrome?
Facet syndrome is slightly different. It typically affects the area above the knee, unlike sciatica, which extends below the knee. Facet syndrome involves the facet joints, which help stabilize the spine and prevent excessive movement. Proper spinal curvature maintains a healthy gap between these joints, but excessive curvature—often due to poor posture—can pinch them. This pinching can irritate nerve endings within the joint, leading to inflammation and resultant numbness and tingling above the knee.
Diagnosing the Difference
When patients report leg tingling, our primary diagnostic question is whether the sensation extends below the knee. If it does, it’s likely sciatica; if it stays above the knee, we consider facet syndrome as a probable cause.
I hope this explanation clarifies the distinctions between these two conditions and helps those experiencing related symptoms. If you’re dealing with leg weakness, numbness, tingling, or other related issues, we’re here to help at Harvest Chiropractic. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance with these or any other concerns.
Thank you for watching, and remember, if you need care for leg symptoms or other discomforts, Harvest Chiropractic in Sun Prairie is here to support you. I’m Dr. Kasi, looking forward to assisting you on your path to recovery.
