Sciatica is a painful condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in your body, becomes compressed or irritated. This nerve runs from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg, which explains why sciatica typically causes sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back down through the buttock and into the leg. The pain can range from mild discomfort to excruciating episodes that make it difficult to sit, stand, or walk normally.

The sciatic nerve can become compressed for several reasons, with herniated or bulging discs being among the most common causes. When the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in the outer wall, it can press against the nearby nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve. Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal, can also create pressure on the nerve. Additionally, tight muscles in the hip and buttock region, particularly the piriformis muscle, can compress the sciatic nerve as it passes through or near these tissues.

Sciatica symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, but commonly include sharp, burning, or electric shock-like pain that travels down the leg. Some people experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg or foot. The pain may be constant or intermittent, and certain positions or movements like sitting, coughing, or sneezing often make it worse. Many people find that the pain is more severe when sitting and improves when standing or lying down.

Left untreated, sciatica can severely limit your mobility and quality of life. The pain can make it difficult to perform work duties, exercise, or enjoy recreational activities. Sleep disturbances are common, and the chronic pain can lead to emotional stress and depression. Additionally, prolonged nerve compression can potentially cause permanent nerve damage if not addressed properly.

Our comprehensive approach to sciatica focuses on relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve through targeted spinal adjustments and specialized therapies. These treatments help reduce inflammation around the affected nerve roots and improve overall spinal function, leading to decreased pain and better movement. By addressing the underlying structural problems that contribute to nerve compression, we can provide more effective and lasting relief than approaches that only treat symptoms.

In addition to chiropractic adjustments, we develop customized exercise plans designed to strengthen supporting muscles and improve flexibility. These exercises help stabilize the spine and prevent future flare-ups while promoting natural healing and long-term relief from sciatica symptoms.