What Is Sciatica? Symptoms, Causes, and Chiropractic Relief

What Is Sciatica? Symptoms, Causes, and Chiropractic Relief

If you've ever felt a sharp shooting pain running down the back of your leg, there's a good chance you've experienced sciatica. It's a condition that can sneak up on you and make everyday movements feel like a chore. I’ve seen plenty of people come into our office in Jerseyville thinking they just pulled a muscle or slept funny, only to find out it’s actually their sciatic nerve acting up.

So what exactly is sciatica? And more importantly, what can you do about it?

Understanding Sciatica

Sciatica is not a diagnosis in itself but rather a symptom of an underlying issue. It refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Most of the time, sciatica only affects one side of the body.

People with sciatica often describe the pain as burning, shooting, or even electric. It can range from a mild ache to severe discomfort and might come and go depending on how you're moving or sitting. In more intense cases, it can even be hard to stand up straight or walk normally.

Common Symptoms of Sciatica

Everyone experiences sciatica a little differently, but some of the most common symptoms include:

• Pain in the lower back or buttock that travels down one leg

• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot

• Muscle weakness in the affected leg

• Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing

• Sharp pain that makes it difficult to stand or walk

I remember recently I had one patient who came in after struggling to get out of her car at the grocery store. She thought she had pulled a hamstring playing with her grandkids, but after a quick exam, it was clear her sciatic nerve was being compressed by a bulging disc. She was surprised to learn that the problem wasn't in her leg but in her lower back.

What Causes Sciatica?

The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated or bulging disc in the spine that puts pressure on the nerve root. But there are other culprits too. Here are a few common causes we see:

• Herniated or Bulging Discs: This is the big one. When a disc in your spine slips out of place or ruptures, it can press directly on the sciatic nerve.

• Spinal Stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can pinch the nerve.

• Piriformis Syndrome: The piriformis is a muscle deep in your buttock. If it spasms or tightens, it can irritate the sciatic nerve underneath it.

• Spondylolisthesis: This happens when one vertebra slips forward over another and can lead to nerve compression.

• Injury or Trauma: A fall, car accident, or sports injury can lead to inflammation or direct compression of the sciatic nerve.

Even something as simple as sitting too long at work can aggravate the lower back and lead to sciatic pain. I’ve had more than one patient who realized their office chair was doing more harm than good.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care is one of the most effective, non-invasive ways to manage and relieve sciatica. When patients come to our clinic with sciatic pain, our goal is to address the root cause—not just the symptoms.

The first step is a proper assessment. We start with a detailed history and physical exam to figure out what’s actually causing the nerve irritation. Sometimes it’s a disc issue, other times it’s more of a muscle or joint imbalance.

From there, treatment might include:

1. Spinal Adjustments Gentle chiropractic adjustments can help realign the spine, reduce pressure on the nerve, and improve mobility. Many patients report immediate relief after just one or two visits, though consistent care is usually needed for lasting results.

2. Soft Tissue Work We often combine adjustments with techniques like massage or instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to reduce muscle tension and inflammation. This is especially helpful if the piriformis muscle is involved.

3. Stretching and Rehab Exercises Once the pain starts to settle down, we introduce stretching and strengthening exercises to support the spine and prevent future flare-ups. Core stability is a big focus here. I always tell patients that a strong core is like a natural back brace.

4. Posture and Ergonomic Coaching We’ll also take a look at your work setup, how you sleep, and your daily habits. Small changes in posture or movement can make a big difference in how your body feels.

When Should Yuo Seek Help?

If your leg pain is more than just a one-time thing, or if it's interfering with your ability to move comfortably, it's a good idea to get checked out. Sciatica can get worse if left untreated, and no one wants to deal with nerve pain longer than they have to.

Red flags that mean you should seek care sooner rather than later include:

• Sudden, severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest

• Numbness or weakness in your leg or foot

• Loss of bladder or bowel control (this is rare but serious)

Sciatica can be frustrating, painful, and downright exhausting—but it’s also very treatable. I’ve seen countless patients walk into our Jerseyville office barely able to sit, and walk out a few weeks later feeling like themselves again. It all starts with understanding what’s going on and finding the right approach to fix it.

If you think you might be dealing with sciatica, don’t wait it out. Come in, let’s figure it out together, and get you back on track. Email us at Jerseyvillechiro@gmail.com or call us at 618-639-6611!