If you’ve ever felt a sharp, shooting pain down your leg, you know how disruptive sciatica can be. The pain, tingling, or numbness that travels from your lower back through your hips and into your leg can make it difficult to sit, stand, or even sleep.
One of the most common questions we hear at Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness is: “How long will this last?” The truth is, recovery time varies, but understanding what to expect can help you make the right decisions for your health.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in your body, becomes irritated or compressed. This can be caused by:
A herniated or bulging disc
Spinal misalignment
Tight muscles in the hips or glutes
Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
Inflammation around the nerve
How Long Does Sciatica Usually Last?
Mild sciatica: In many cases, symptoms may improve within a few weeks with rest, light movement, and conservative care.
Moderate sciatica: If nerve irritation continues, symptoms may last several weeks to a few months.
Chronic sciatica: For some, especially if the underlying cause isn’t addressed, sciatica can become a recurring or long-term issue.
👉 The key point: sciatica often won’t fully resolve until the root cause is corrected, whether that’s a disc problem, pelvic misalignment, or muscle imbalance.
What Affects Recovery Time?
Several factors can influence how long sciatica lasts:
Cause of the nerve irritation (disc, muscle, or joint related)
Lifestyle factors (sitting for long hours, poor posture, lack of movement)
Severity of compression (mild irritation vs. severe disc involvement)
How quickly you seek care — early treatment usually leads to faster recovery
When to Seek Professional Help
You should consult a healthcare provider if:
Pain lasts longer than 2–3 weeks without improvement
Symptoms are severe or worsening
You experience numbness, weakness, or tingling that spreads down the leg
You notice loss of bladder or bowel control (this requires urgent medical attention)
How Chiropractic Care May Help Sciatica
At Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness, we take a natural, non-invasive approach to sciatica. Treatment may include:
Gentle chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal alignment and reduce nerve irritation
Active Release Technique (ART) to release tight muscles that contribute to nerve compression
Spinal decompression therapy (when appropriate) to relieve pressure on discs and nerves
Postural guidance and home exercises to support long-term healing
By addressing the root cause of sciatica instead of just the symptoms, chiropractic care may help patients find relief and reduce the chances of flare-ups in the future.
The Bottom Line
Sciatica can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the cause and severity. The sooner you seek care, the faster you’re likely to recover, and the less chance sciatica has to become a chronic problem.
At Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness, we don’t just manage pain, we focus on the underlying cause. Through chiropractic adjustments, muscle release therapy, and lifestyle guidance, we help patients find long-term relief and move better every day.
📍 Visit Us:
Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness
8929 South Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90045
If you’ve been struggling with sciatic pain, you don’t have to wait it out. Schedule a consultation today and learn how chiropractic care can support your recovery.