What You Need to Know About Sciatica: Pain, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

 

Sciatica is one of the most common types of nerve pain, but it’s often misunderstood.
If you’ve ever felt shooting pain that starts in your lower back and travels down your leg, you might be experiencing sciatica.

Fortunately, with the right care, most cases of sciatica can be treated naturally without relying on surgery or long-term medications.

In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly what sciatica is, what causes it, the symptoms to watch for, how the pain feels, and your best options for lasting relief.

 

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation, inflammation, or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest and longest nerve in the body.
The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back (lumbar spine), travels through the hips and buttocks, and runs down each leg.

When this nerve becomes irritated, it can cause:

• Pain that radiates down the leg 
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness 
• Burning or electric shock-like sensations 

Sciatica is a symptom not a diagnosis itself, meaning it’s important to identify the underlying cause to treat it effectively.

 

Common Causes of Sciatica

Sciatic nerve irritation usually happens when something compresses or inflames the nerve roots in the lower spine.
Some of the most common causes include:

• Herniated or bulging discs pressing on nerve roots 
• Spinal misalignments (subluxations) affecting nerve flow 
• Piriformis syndrome, where a tight buttock muscle traps the sciatic nerve 
• Degenerative disc disease leading to reduced space for nerves 
• Pelvic misalignment creating uneven pressure 
• Injuries, falls, or repetitive strain 
• Prolonged sitting or poor posture habits 

Each cause requires a different approach to treatment which is why an accurate diagnosis is key.

 

Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica symptoms can vary widely, depending on the severity and cause.
Common symptoms include:

• Sharp or shooting pain starting in the lower back or buttocks and running down the leg 
• Pain that worsens when sitting, coughing, sneezing, or standing for long periods 
• Tingling, numbness, or pins-and-needles sensations 
• Muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot 
• A sensation that the leg might “give out” during movement 
• Burning or electric shock-like pain 

Usually, sciatica affects only one side of the body although in rare cases, both legs can be involved.

 

How Sciatica Pain Feels

Sciatic pain can range from mild to severe.
It’s often described as:

• A deep, aching pain in the buttock, thigh, or calf 
• A sharp, stabbing pain that makes it hard to stand or walk 
• A burning or searing sensation along the nerve pathway 
• Intermittent discomfort that worsens with certain movements 
• Persistent, throbbing pain that disrupts sleep and daily activities 

Because the sciatic nerve is so large and important, irritation often affects more than just the area where the pain is felt; it can cause overall fatigue, muscle tightness, and mobility issues.

 

Treatment Options for Sciatica

There are several ways to treat sciatica, depending on how severe it is and what’s causing it.

Common treatments include:

• Chiropractic care to realign the spine, relieve nerve pressure, and promote healing 
• Physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles 
• Stretching and exercise to improve mobility 
• Postural corrections to reduce strain 
• Ice and heat therapy for symptom relief 
• Lifestyle changes like better desk ergonomics and movement habits 

In rare, severe cases where there’s major nerve damage or loss of function, surgery may be considered, but most sciatica cases improve naturally with conservative care like chiropractic.

 

How Chiropractic Care Helps Sciatica

Chiropractic care is one of the most effective non-invasive treatments for sciatica.
Here’s how it works:

✅ 1. Spinal Adjustments

Gentle adjustments realign the spine, reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve and restoring normal nerve function.

 

✅ 2. Pelvic and Postural Correction

Adjusting pelvic imbalances helps relieve uneven stress on the nerve pathways, improving comfort and movement.

 

✅ 3. Soft Tissue Therapy

Tight muscles that contribute to nerve compression (like the piriformis) are addressed with manual therapy to reduce tension and inflammation.

 

✅ 4. Movement Rehabilitation

Chiropractic care often includes stretches, posture coaching, and exercises that help rebuild strength and flexibility, protecting you from future flare-ups.

 

By treating the underlying cause, not just the symptoms, chiropractic offers a safe, effective, and long-term solution for sciatica pain.

 

How Re-LAX Chiropractic Can Support Your Sciatica Recovery

At Re-LAX Chiropractic we specialize in helping patients recover from sciatica naturally without surgery or heavy medication use.

When you choose us, you can expect:

• Personalized chiropractic adjustments tailored to your body and symptoms 
• Postural assessments to identify hidden stress points 
• Soft tissue therapy to relieve tight muscles and improve flexibility 
• Corrective movement plans to support healing at home 
• Education and lifestyle advice to prevent future issues 

Our goal is to help you feel better, move easier, and live pain-free naturally, safely, and effectively.

Every sciatica case is different, and we’re committed to designing care plans that truly fit your individual needs.

 

You Deserve to Feel Better

Sciatica pain can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to live with it.
With the right approach, lasting relief is possible without relying on invasive procedures or endless prescriptions.

Chiropractic care provides a natural, powerful way to heal, restore mobility, and get your life back.

If you’re struggling with sciatica or nerve pain, we’re here to help guide you on the path to recovery.

 

📍 Visit Us:
Re-LAX Chiropractic
8929 South Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90045
https://re-laxchiropractic.com