Sciatica
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg.
This condition typically occurs when the nerve becomes compressed or irritated—often due to a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis—causing inflammation, pain, and sometimes numbness or weakness in the affected leg.
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Sciatica usually affects only one side of the body and can range from a mild ache to sharp, burning discomfort. In some cases, it may feel like a jolt or electric shock.
What causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is most commonly caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve in the lower spine. This pressure can result from several underlying conditions, including:
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Herniated or bulging discs – When the soft material inside a spinal disc pushes out and presses on the nerve.
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Degenerative disc disease – Age-related wear and tear that affects the discs between vertebrae.
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Spinal stenosis – A narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the nerves.
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Bone spurs – Overgrowths of bone that can press against the sciatic nerve.
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Spondylolisthesis – When one vertebra slips over another, pinching the nerve root.
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Piriformis syndrome – When the piriformis muscle in the buttock irritates the nearby sciatic nerve.
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Injury or trauma – A direct impact to the lower back or pelvis may damage or compress the nerve.
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Poor posture, prolonged sitting, obesity, and lack of regular exercise can also increase the risk of developing sciatica or worsen existing symptoms.
How to Treat Sciatica?
The approach to treating sciatica depends on its underlying cause. If your sciatica is due to a disc herniation compressing the nerve, treatment will focus on improving mobility, reducing muscle spasms, and gently elongating surrounding tissues. From there, we work to decompress the affected disc to relieve pressure on the nerve.
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If your sciatica is caused by Piriformis Syndrome—where the piriformis muscle irritates or pinches the sciatic nerve—treatment will center around relaxing the muscle and reducing tension to relieve compression on the nerve.
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Each case is unique, so treatment plans are tailored to address the specific cause and severity of your condition.