Q: I am an avid distance runner, running about 35-40 miles per week. Recently I have been experiencing increased pain down my left leg into my calf. What is this, and what can I do to get rid of this discomfort?
A: Sciatica is a commonly used term for pain originating from the low back that is felt in areas such as the buttock, hip, thigh, hamstring, calf, ankle, or foot. Sciatica is secondary to an underlying problem. Sciatica involves compression or irritation of the nerves exiting from the lower spine. Each of the two sciatic nerves is formed by nerves branching off the spinal cord and running down into the legs to the toes. The sciatic nerves are the largest and longest nerves in the body. Pain can be felt throughout the nerve.
Sciatic pain can range from pins-and-needles sensation, throbbing, numbness, sharp shooting pain, burning, to a dull ache. Pain may be localized or widespread in both legs and feet.
Sciatic pain is most often caused by pressure or irritation of the nerves as they exit the spine in the low back. If a vertebra of the low back is out of its normal position this will cause irritation and inflammation on the exiting nerves. Associated complications can include biomechanical spinal problems, muscular imbalances and tightness, leg length differences, and spinal disc problems.
Patients with sciatic complaints often have discomfort in the morning, sitting, sitting to standing, lying in bed, and with bending/ lifting. Pain may decrease while walking, running, and staying active, unless the condition has progressed to a more acute state.
Treatment
In the past treatment has involved pain and muscle relaxing drugs, physical therapy, and even surgery. Chiropractic has proven to be a very effective approach for many cases with carefully controlled specific adjustment to the areas involved to remove the nerve pressure and irritation at its origin. Removing the pressure on the sciatic nerve may help the body heal itself and relieve symptomatic complaints through restoring mobility, proper circulation, and decreasing inflammation.
Helpful Hints
Ice- helps to decrease inflammation caused by irritation on the nerves. (Heat will create more inflammation)
Stretching- helps decrease muscle tension and increase mobility.
Walking and staying active- helps prevent onset of inflammation and muscle tightness.
Running - Avoid running on hard surfaces and pounding down hills. Proper footwear will also be beneficial to decrease compression forces with foot-strike.
Avoid
Pain and anti-inflammatory drugs (or use very sparingly)- depressing symptoms may allow the problem to progress.
Prolonged bed rest- this will allow muscle tightness and inflammation to progress.
Dr. Jeffrey P. Metcalf
Helping fellow runners stay healthy allows Dr. Metcalf to combine two of his passions in life, running and Chiropractic health care.
