The document discusses the diagnosis and treatment of sciatic nerve pain, commonly known as sciatica, which is characterized by symptoms such as cramping, tingling, and radiating pain in the legs, often caused by lumbar disc bulges, piriformis syndrome, or sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Treatment options include chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture, interferential therapy, and cold laser therapy, with varying recovery times depending on the specific cause of the symptoms. Enzyme therapy is highlighted as a natural and effective method to reduce inflammation and aid recovery.

1. Chiropractic Care Diagnosis and Treatment of Sciatic Nerve Pain Dr. Kirk Johnson B.S., D.C., F.A.S.A.

2. Sciatic pain, what is it? Sciatic nerve pain, also commonly called “Sciatica” The sciatic nerve carries sensory and motor function to the lower extremities. This very large nerve can be the source of many symptoms of pain in the lower extremities

3. Symptoms of Sciatica Cramping sensation in the thigh Radiating pain from the buttock down the back of the leg Tingling in the legs Numbness in the legs Burning sensation in legs or thigh area Severe cases present with muscle weakness

4. Symptoms of Sciatica Most often the symptoms are seen only on one side If the symptoms are present on both sides the disc bulge is usually more severe Most often the symptoms are continuous Literally a pain in the butt!

5. Anatomy of the Sciatic Nerve

6. Causes of Sciatica Lumbar spine disc bulge Most common cause of sciatica This can occur from simple bending and twisting movements When this happens, the patient reports stabbing and shooting pain that travels down the leg This radiating pain is very indicative of a disc lesion

7. Causes of Sciatica Piriformis Syndrome The piriformis muscle goes from the sacrum to the hip In most of the population the sciatic nerve actually pierces through the belly of the piriformis muscle An over contraction of the piriformis will lead to sciatic like symptoms. Pain is usually located more in the buttock area with slight radiation

8. Causes of Sciatica Sacroiliac joint dysfunction The sacroiliac joint affects the biomechanics in the pelvis When a fixation occurs at this joint the patient will experience muscle tightness The muscle tightness will then lead to sciatic like symptoms Pain is usually more localized to the hip and buttock area, rarely below the knee

9. Treatment for Sciatica Lumbar disc bulge A complete orthopedic and neurological examination to determine level of disc bulge MRI may be necessary to determine extent of damage Chiropractic manipulation with acupuncture yields excellent results Interferential therapy and cold laser may be used to reduce inflammation and pain Enzyme therapy will help recovery time

10. Treatment for Sciatica Piriformis syndrome Examination to rule out disc bulge Determine piriformis function, i.e. muscle is too tight or too weak. Treat the piriformis with cold laser and manual muscle techniques Chiropractic manipulation to restore proper pelvic biomechanics Acupuncture to relieve pain

11. Treatment for Sciatica Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SIJ) Exam to rule out disc bulge Chiropractic manipulation to reduce the fixated joint Cold laser therapy for inflammation and pain Acupuncture treatment for pain

12. Treatment Duration The dreaded lumbar disc bulge will take the longest to return to normal I have had patients respond in as little as 5 visits, and upwards of 30 visits Piriformis syndrome may take up to 4 weeks, usually I see a large reduction in symptoms in 2 weeks SIJ dysfunction can take the least amount of time to correct I have seen results in 2 visits, it could take 8 visits.

13. Enzyme Therapy Nutri-West’s Lyso-Lyph-Forte Natural and effective No side effects (no stomach pain) Uses natural enzymes to help decrease inflammation and regulate pain pathways Decreases recovery time Used by professional athletes