Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms & Non-Surgical Treatment
Sciatica is pain that radiates from the lower back down a leg when the sciatic nerve is compressed. Non-surgical care, spinal decompression and gentle adjustments, relieves the pressure at its source.
That sharp, electric pain shooting down your leg has a name: sciatica. It’s a symptom of an irritated or compressed sciatic nerve, and the good news is that most cases respond well to non-surgical care.
What sciatica feels like
- Pain radiating from the lower back into the buttock and down a leg
- Numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation
- Burning or electric-like pain, often worse when sitting
- Weakness in the affected leg
MedlinePlus notes that sciatica usually affects only one side of the body.
What causes it
The sciatic nerve gets compressed or irritated, commonly by a herniated or bulging disc, spinal stenosis, or misalignment in the lower spine. Pinpointing the source is the key to relief. Mayo Clinic notes most sciatica improves without surgery.
Non-surgical treatment
- Spinal decompression gently opens space in the spine to take pressure off the nerve.
- Chiropractic adjustments realign the spine to reduce irritation and restore movement.
Both are drug-free and address the cause rather than masking it.
When to seek care
If the pain lingers, keeps returning, or comes with leg weakness, get evaluated. Early care helps prevent a flare-up from becoming a chronic problem. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons also flags progressive leg weakness as a sign that deserves prompt attention.
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