Sciatica: Understanding and Treating Your Leg Pain
- Kyle Hedlund
- May 28
- 1 min read
Sciatica describes pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve — from your lower back through your hip and down each leg. It is typically caused by a herniated disc or bone spur compressing part of the nerve. The pain can be debilitating, but chiropractic care offers a proven, non-surgical solution for the vast majority of patients.
Common Symptoms
Shooting or burning pain from the low back down one or both legs
Numbness, tingling, or pins and needles in the leg or foot
Weakness in the affected leg
Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting
Sharp pain when standing up or walking
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica most commonly results from a herniated lumbar disc, lumbar spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, or degenerative disc disease. Less common causes include sacroiliac joint dysfunction and, rarely, a spinal tumor.
How Chiropractic Care Helps
Chiropractic spinal manipulation reduces disc pressure, improves spinal alignment, and decreases irritation of the sciatic nerve. Research comparing conservative management to surgical options shows conservative care — including spinal manipulation — produces comparable long-term outcomes with far fewer risks. We also address piriformis tightness and pelvic alignment, which are frequently overlooked contributors.
Research & Evidence
Schedule Your Appointment
Sciatica is treatable without surgery for most patients. Call Integrative Chiropractic in Gretna, NE at (402) 769-6624 or book online at integrativegretna.com.