What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica isn't a diagnosis on its own — it's a symptom of pressure or irritation on the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body. That pressure usually starts in the lower spine, where a disc, joint, or muscle is crowding the space the nerve needs.
Common Causes
- Herniated or bulging discs pressing on the nerve root
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the space around the spinal cord)
- Piriformis syndrome, where a deep hip muscle irritates the nerve
- Degenerative disc disease or age-related wear
- Prolonged sitting, poor posture, or a sudden awkward movement
Common Symptoms
- Pain that radiates from the lower back into the buttock and leg
- Numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation along the nerve path
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain that worsens when sitting, coughing, or sneezing
How We Treat It
We start with a thorough evaluation to find exactly where the nerve is being irritated. From there, most sciatica patients respond well to a combination of chiropractic adjustments to restore alignment and take pressure off the nerve, and spinal decompression therapy to gently create space around a compressed disc. We'll also give you exercises to keep the pressure from coming back.
When To See a Chiropractor
If sciatica is affecting your daily life — work, sleep, exercise, or time with family — it's worth getting evaluated. We offer a free consultation so you can get an honest answer about whether we're the right fit, with no pressure and no commitment.