Chiropractic | Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic

(L-R) Dr. Patricia Jemison, D.C., Dr. John Theeck, D.C., Dr. Angela Boyazis, D.C., Dr. Chris Kessler, D.C., Dr. Aaron Perry, DOM LMT

Is my back pain really sciatica?

People come to our office and automatically think the pain in their legs is due to sciatica from a herniated or ruptured disc. The pain is not necessarily coming from your spine. In fact, of all the patients who come in complaining of leg pain, only 10 percent of them have a disc problem. The more likely cause of their pain is sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The sacroiliac joint connects the spine to the pelvis and serves primarily for weight bearing. Dysfunction of the joint can lead to low back and leg pain. An estimated 60-70 percent of patients with leg pain have a problem with their sacroiliac joint.

Another common cause of leg pain is piriformis syndrome. The piriformis is a small muscle located deep in the buttock. When the muscle becomes shortened and tight, it impinges the sciatic nerve. Patients with piriformis syndrome typically experience pain in their buttock, legs, groin and low back.

Other patients with leg pain have a condition called iliotibial (IT) band syndrome. The IT band is a strong, thick band of fibrous tissue that, when tightened or inflamed, can cause aching or sharp pain on the outside of the knee.

For us, it’s imperative to make an accurate diagnosis so we can accurately treat the underlying problem. We perform a full biomechanical assessment and full orthopedic assessment. We also perform hands-on techniques to palpate the joints, tendons and muscles. All of these help us make a proper diagnosis, and it’s important to take these steps rather than just making a blind diagnosis based on symptoms or imaging.

With sacroiliac joint dysfunction, we provide adjustments to realign it. To treat piriformis syndrome, we provide injections using an organic-based, homeopathic medication that produces an anti-inflammatory effect. We also have a biomechanical exercise clinician on staff who helps patients perform corrective exercises and strengthen both the pelvic core and muscles connected to the sacroiliac joint.

We have all the practitioners needed to fix those problems under one roof, including four chiropractors, three medical massage therapists, one acupuncturist and a corrective exercise therapist.