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Sciatica is a severe pain in the leg caused from compression or irritation
of the sciatic nerve.
The sciatic nerves are the largest (and longest) nerves of the body,
reaching about the size of your thumb in diameter, and running down the
back of each leg. When these nerves are irritated or affected by the
inflammation of nearby soft tissues, doctors refer to this as sciatica.
One of the most common causes of sciatic leg pain is the Vertebral
Subluxation Complex. It can be accompanied by the bulging or herniation of
the soft, pulpy discs which separate each spinal bone. This can irritate or
put pressure on the sciatic nerve roots as they leave the spinal cord.
The result can be an intense pain shooting down either or both legs.
In the past, treatment has involved pain medications, muscle relaxers,
physical therapy, and even surgery. The chiropractic approach is to use
carefully directed and controlled pressure to remove the interference from
spinal structures. These chiropractic "adjustments" can be quite
effective in reducing nerve irritation and its associated pain.
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The largest nerves of the body. Each of the two sciatic nerves is formed by four or five nerves branching off each side of the spinal cord and running down the back of each leg.
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