Sciatica can be a distracting pain that starts in the lower back and extends down into one or both legs. Chiropractic care has proven to be very helpful. Those suffering from sciatica are often in the 40s and 50s. It usually begins as an acute pain in the lower back and then extends down the back of either leg. The pain usually worsens with long periods of sitting or standing. Like a large river created by smaller streams, five pairs of nerves exit the spine in the lower back to form the two sciatic nerves. The soft, pulpy disc between each spinal bone is often involved. Strictly speaking a disc can't "slip," but it can bulge, herniate or rupture. This can put direct pressure on the nearby nerves. This results in pain when coughing or sneezing or undertaking other kinds of movement. Sciatica often worsens with extended bed rest. Pain killers or muscle relaxants are unable to correct the nerve compression caused by a bulging disc. Surgery is effective, but is considered a last resort and often involves cutting away disc tissue or removing bone to make room for the nerve. Fortunately,most people with sciatica often responds to Chiropractic manipulation. Chiropractic manipulation generally results in an improved joint motion which reduces impingment of the sciatic nerve. "Before" and "after" x rays of the lower back often show improved disc height and spacing. Many patients report that they can resume their lives and that their symptoms disappear without drugs or surgery.