What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is more than just back pain—it’s a condition that affects the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body, running from your lower back through your hips, buttocks, and down each leg. When this nerve becomes compressed, irritated, or inflamed, it can lead to shooting pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower body.
If you’ve ever experienced pain that radiates into the buttock (left or right) and down one leg, sharp jolts of discomfort when standing up, or numbness and tingling in your foot, sciatica may be the cause.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica isn’t a condition on its own—it’s a symptom of an underlying issue. Several spinal conditions can lead to sciatic nerve irritation, including:
✔ Herniated or Bulging Discs – When a spinal disc in the lumbar spine shifts out of place or ruptures, it can press against the sciatic nerve, leading to pain and numbness.
✔ Spinal Stenosis – The narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on nerves, causing symptoms like pain, tingling, and weakness in the legs.
✔ Degenerative Disc Disease – Over time, the spine naturally wears down, leading to nerve compression and inflammation around the sciatic nerve.
✔ Piriformis Syndrome – The piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttocks, can tighten and irritate the sciatic nerve, leading to discomfort and mobility issues.
✔ Spondylolisthesis – When one vertebra slips forward over another, it can pinch the sciatic nerve, causing shooting pain down the leg.
Each of these conditions affects the spine in a unique way, which is why it’s important to get a professional evaluation to determine the true cause of your sciatica.
🔗 Learn more about how we treat spinal conditions here: Spinal Decompression Therapy.
Common Symptoms of Sciatica
The symptoms of sciatica can range from mild discomfort to intense, debilitating pain. Some of the most common signs include:
✔ Radiating pain that starts in the lower back, buttock (left or right) and can travel down the leg
✔ Sharp, shooting pain when standing up, sitting for long periods, or walking
✔ Tingling or numbness in the leg, foot, or toes
✔ Weakness in the affected leg, making it difficult to walk or stand
✔ Burning or electric-like sensations along the sciatic nerve pathway
The intensity and frequency of symptoms vary depending on the severity of nerve compression. Some people experience occasional flare-ups, while others struggle with chronic pain that worsens over time.
🔗 Find out if nerve-related conditions are affecting your health: New Patient Screening with our New Patient Special.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Sciatica
At Neurolink Chiropractic, we focus on non-invasive, drug-free solutions to relieve sciatic nerve irritation and restore mobility. Our approach includes:
✔ Spinal Adjustments – Precise chiropractic adjustments restore mobility in the spine, contributing to a relief in pressure on the sciatic nerve and promoting balance to the musculoskeletal system.
✔ Spinal Decompression Therapy – This technique gently stretches the spine, creating space between vertebrae and allowing bulging or herniated discs to retract away from nerves.
✔ Therapeutic Exercises – Strengthening core muscle groups to improve stability and mobility, reducing the likelihood of future flare-ups.
✔ Soft Tissue Therapy & Myofascial Release – Tight muscles and fascia around the lower back and hips can contribute to sciatic pain. Manual therapy techniques help relieve tension and restore movement.
✔ Posture & Movement Correction – Poor posture and improper movement patterns can worsen sciatica symptoms. We provide guidance on ergonomic adjustments and corrective exercises to prevent aggravation.
🔗 Explore our hands-on treatment options: Chiropractic Services.
When Should You See a Chiropractor for Sciatica?
If your sciatic pain persists for more than a couple of weeks (or less), or seems to be worsening, or limits your ability to walk, sit, or sleep, it’s time to seek professional care.
🚩 Signs you should see a chiropractor for sciatica:
✔ Pain that doesn’t improve with rest
✔ Numbness or weakness in your leg or foot
✔ Difficulty standing, walking, or performing daily activities
✔ Severe, shooting pain that disrupts sleep or mobility
At Neurolink Chiropractic, we take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to treating sciatica. Our goal isn’t just to relieve pain—it’s to correct the underlying cause, restore mobility, and help you get back to the activities you love.
Find Sciatica Relief at Neurolink Chiropractic
Don’t let sciatica pain take over your life. If you’re tired of dealing with sharp, radiating leg pain or numbness that won’t go away, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us today at (650) 375-2545 or schedule an appointment online to start your path toward relief.
🔗 Learn more about how we can help: Contact Neurolink Chiropractic.
