Sciatica: Pain, Numbness, and Tingling Down Your Leg
That burning, shooting sensation that travels from your lower back through your buttock and into your leg has a name, and it has causes we can identify. Here is what you should know.
What Is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It forms in the lower back from several nerve roots, travels through the buttock, and runs down the back of each leg. When something puts pressure on or irritates that nerve, you can feel it anywhere along its path.
People describe sciatica in a lot of different ways: a sharp, shooting pain; a deep ache; burning; tingling; numbness; or even weakness in the leg or foot. Some people have all of those at once. Others just notice that one leg feels "off." The symptoms can be constant or come and go, and they are usually worse on one side.
Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis by itself. The more important question is what is causing the nerve irritation, because that shapes how it should be treated.
Common Causes
Most cases of sciatica come down to something affecting the nerve roots in the lower back or the nerve itself as it travels into the leg. Some of the causes we see most often:
Bulging or Herniated Discs
The discs between your vertebrae act as cushions. When the outer layer weakens or tears, the soft inner material can press against a nearby nerve root. This is one of the most frequent causes of true sciatica.
Disc Degeneration
Over time, discs lose height and hydration. As that space narrows, the openings where nerve roots exit the spine can become compressed, even without a full herniation.
Spinal Joint Problems
Facet joint arthritis or dysfunction can contribute to nerve root irritation. Spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra slips forward on another, can also narrow the space available for nerve roots.
Piriformis Syndrome
In some people, the sciatic nerve runs close to or through the piriformis muscle in the buttock. When that muscle tightens or spasms, it can compress the nerve and produce sciatica-like symptoms.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal, often related to age-related changes in the bones and ligaments, can put sustained pressure on nerve roots and cause pain, heaviness, or weakness in the legs.
Injury or Trauma
A fall, accident, or sudden heavy lift can shift structures in the spine enough to irritate a nerve root. Sometimes symptoms appear right away; other times they develop over the following days.
Symptoms to Watch For
Sciatica can look a little different from person to person, but the most common signs include:
- Pain that travels from the lower back or buttock into the thigh, calf, or foot
- Burning or electric shock sensations along one leg
- Numbness or tingling in the leg, foot, or toes
- Weakness when lifting the foot or pushing off while walking
- Pain that worsens with sitting, especially for longer periods
- Symptoms that improve briefly when you stand or walk, then return
- Pain that shifts with position, and is often worse in certain positions
When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
Most sciatica improves with conservative care, but some symptoms require immediate medical evaluation and should not wait for a chiropractic appointment. Please go to an emergency room or call 911 if you experience:
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Numbness or tingling in the groin or inner thigh (saddle area)
- Rapidly worsening leg weakness
- Severe symptoms that started after a significant injury such as a car accident or fall from height
These can be signs of a more serious spinal condition that needs prompt surgical or neurological evaluation.
How We Evaluate Sciatica at WellnessOne
Before recommending any treatment, Dr. K wants to understand what is actually causing your symptoms. A thorough evaluation helps us identify the specific structure involved, how severe the nerve irritation is, and what factors may be contributing to your pain.
A complete evaluation may include:
Health History
We spend time learning how your symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, what you have already tried, and how they are affecting your day-to-day life. The details matter.
Orthopedic and Neurological Testing
Specific physical tests help us assess nerve tension, reflexes, sensation, and muscle strength. These findings tell us a lot about which nerve root may be involved and how significantly it is affected.
Movement Assessment
We look at how you move: how you bend, extend, and rotate the spine, and where those movements reproduce or ease your symptoms. Posture and gait can also offer useful information.
Imaging When Appropriate
X-rays can reveal disc space changes, joint degeneration, and spinal alignment. If an MRI or other advanced imaging is needed and you have not already had one, Dr. K will discuss that with you and coordinate the appropriate referral.
Review of Prior Records
If you have had imaging, specialist visits, or prior treatment for this condition, we are happy to review those records so we are not starting from scratch.
Honest Conversation About Findings
After the evaluation, Dr. K will explain what he found in plain language, what it likely means for your situation, and what options make sense, including whether a referral to another provider is the right next step.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
WellnessOne offers several non-surgical approaches for sciatica. What we recommend depends entirely on what the evaluation shows, not a one-size-fits-all protocol. Most patients receive a combination of therapies tailored to their specific situation.
Spinal Decompression
This traction-based therapy gently stretches the spine to reduce pressure on compressed discs and nerve roots. It can be particularly helpful when a bulging or herniated disc is contributing to sciatica. The treatment is comfortable and performed on a specialized table.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments address joint restrictions and alignment in the lumbar spine and pelvis. Restoring better movement to these joints can reduce nerve irritation and help the surrounding muscles relax. Techniques are adapted based on each patient's condition and comfort.
Class IV Laser Therapy
High-powered laser therapy delivers light energy into the affected tissues to reduce inflammation and support the body's natural healing process. It is non-invasive and many patients notice a reduction in pain and improved comfort over a series of treatments.
Electroanalgesia
This therapy uses specific electrical frequencies to help interrupt pain signals and reduce the nervous system's sensitization to pain. It can be a useful tool for patients dealing with chronic or stubborn nerve pain.
Rehabilitation and Movement Guidance
We work with patients on exercises and movement strategies that support recovery and help prevent recurrence. Knowing how to move, sit, and lift in ways that protect your spine is a practical part of getting better.
Referral When Needed
If your condition requires care beyond what we provide, such as surgical evaluation or specialist management, we will tell you directly and help coordinate that. Our goal is to get you the right help, not just to keep you in our office.
Dr. K's Experience with Sciatica
Dr. K has worked with patients dealing with sciatica and related lower back and leg conditions for many years. He understands that by the time most people come in, they have already been dealing with this for a while and are frustrated with how much it has limited their life.
His approach is to take the evaluation seriously, explain what he finds in terms that make sense, and build a plan that is realistic for the patient's situation. He does not over-promise results, but he does bring a thorough, hands-on approach to identifying and addressing what is actually going on in the spine.
At WellnessOne Knee and Spine Center, the focus is on helping patients improve their mobility, reduce pain, and get back to the activities that matter to them, whether that is walking comfortably, sleeping through the night, or getting through a workday without misery.
What Patients Say
"I had been dealing with shooting pain down my left leg for almost four months. I could not sit at my desk for more than 20 minutes without it getting unbearable. After a few weeks of treatment at WellnessOne, I noticed real improvement. I wish I had come in sooner."
- Patient, Lincoln, NE
"Dr. K actually explained what was happening with my disc and why I was feeling the pain in my leg instead of just my back. That alone made a big difference. The decompression therapy helped a lot."
- Patient, Lincoln, NE
"I had tried a couple of other things before coming here. The combination of adjustments and laser therapy got me to a place where I can function again. I am back to walking my dog every morning, which I had given up."
- Patient, Lincoln, NE
Individual results vary. Patient testimonials reflect personal experiences and are not a guarantee of specific outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sciatica usually last?
That depends on the cause and how long you have had it. Acute sciatica from a sudden disc problem can improve significantly within a few weeks with appropriate care. Chronic cases, especially those involving disc degeneration or stenosis, tend to take longer and may require ongoing management. Getting an accurate evaluation early generally leads to better outcomes.
Can chiropractic care make sciatica worse?
In most cases, chiropractic care is safe and appropriate for sciatica. That said, the evaluation matters. There are some situations, such as certain types of severe disc herniation or fracture, where specific techniques need to be modified or avoided. That is exactly why we do a thorough evaluation before beginning any treatment.
Do I need an MRI before coming in?
No, you do not need prior imaging to schedule a consultation. Many patients come in without any imaging and we work from there. If imaging would be helpful to clarify what is happening, Dr. K will discuss that with you during or after the evaluation.
What if I have already had sciatica treatment somewhere else?
That is fine. Bring any records or imaging you have, and let us know what you tried and how it went. We will evaluate your current situation and discuss what options might be appropriate from here.
Is sciatica the same as a pinched nerve?
People use those terms somewhat interchangeably. Sciatica specifically refers to symptoms involving the sciatic nerve, while "pinched nerve" is a more general term. Both usually mean that a nerve is being compressed or irritated somewhere along its path.
Can sciatica come back after it gets better?
Yes, especially if the underlying cause, such as disc degeneration or recurring joint problems, is not fully addressed. Part of what we focus on is helping patients understand how to protect their spine going forward so that recurrences are less likely.
Ready to Find Out What Is Causing Your Leg Pain?
If you are dealing with lower back pain, leg pain, numbness, or tingling, a proper evaluation is the right place to start. Dr. K and the team at WellnessOne Knee and Spine Center will take a thorough look at what is going on and talk through your options honestly.
Schedule a Sciatica Consultation