Sciatica vs. Sacroiliac Sprain

These two conditions are often confused but with a little knowledge, it's easy to diagnose yourself with the correct issue.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is an irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back and sacral nerve roots. Typically, pain goes down the back of the thigh and the leg/calf and into the feet. 

Sciatica is a "pinched nerve" and can be caused by a disc bulge, a tight piriformis muscle, etc. Chiropractic treatment is a good first line of defense. Exercise, stretching, and therapies such as electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, cold laser or traction, are also helpful.

What Is a Sacroiliac Sprain?

Just below where the lower back stops, you'll find the sacrum and pelvic bones. They are connected at the sacroiliac joint. If a sprain occurs at this joint, swelling and radiating pain occurs into the buttocks and thigh, but usually doesn't go past the knee. If you have pain near the dimples just above the buttock, you probably have a sacroiliac sprain.

Remember, you can have sciatica and a sacroiliac sprain at the same time. Our Roseville chiropractors can help you reduce your pain and get you back on track.  

Your Roseville Chiropractors - at ASIC