Understanding Sciatica

Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery

Sciatica, which affects a significant portion of the population, is one of the most common reasons people seek lower back and leg pain treatment. If you've ever experienced a sharp, radiating pain down your leg, you're likely familiar with this condition. Despite its widespread occurrence, sciatica is often misunderstood. 

This post explains sciatica: its causes, symptoms, risk factors, and recovery methods.

 

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. The nerve originates in the lower spine, passes the pelvis and glutes, and runs down the back of each leg.

When something compresses or inflames part of this nerve, it can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates along its path - typically affecting only one side of the body.

Sciatica is not a diagnosis itself—it's a symptom of an underlying issue, usually involving the lower spine.

 

Common Symptoms of Sciatica 

Sciatica symptoms vary depending on the severity and location of nerve irritation, but most people experience one or more of the following:

• Sharp or burning pain that radiates from the lower back to the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot
• Tingling or "pins and needles" sensations in the leg or foot
• Numbness in parts of the leg or foot
• Weakness in the affected leg or foot
• Pain that worsens with sitting, standing for long periods, or specific movements or activities (like bending, coughing, or sneezing)

These symptoms often occur on one side of the lower body and may come and go, depending on posture and activity.

 

What Causes Sciatica?

Several conditions can irritate or compress the sciatic nerve. Common causes include:

1. Lumbar Disc Herniation

A bulging or herniated disc in the lower back (usually L4-L5 or L5-S1) can press on the nerve root that forms part of the sciatic nerve.

2. Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal due to arthritis or aging can compress nerves, including the sciatic nerve.

3. Degenerative Disc Disease

As spinal discs wear down over time, they can lead to inflammation or compression of nearby nerves.

4. Spondylolisthesis

This occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another, potentially narrowing the space where the nerves exit the spine.

5. Piriformis Syndrome

The sciatic nerve runs under or through the piriformis muscle in the buttock. Tightness, spasm, or inflammation of this muscle can compress the nerve, causing piriformis syndrome.

6. Pregnancy or Postural Stress

The changing biomechanics during pregnancy or poor posture from prolonged sitting may place pressure on the lower back and pelvis, irritating the sciatic nerve.

 

Who Is at Risk for Sciatica?

Risk factors for developing sciatica include:

• Age-related spinal degeneration (typically over 30)
• A sedentary lifestyle or prolonged sitting
• Jobs that involve heavy lifting or twisting
• Weak core and glute muscles
• Poor posture
• Diabetes (which can increase nerve vulnerability)
• Obesity, which adds stress to spinal structures

 

Diagnosis: How is Sciatica Identified?

A proper evaluation is key to diagnosing the root cause of sciatica. At Arthrology Chiropractic, we use:

• Patient history to understand symptoms, lifestyle, and injury patterns
• Orthopedic and neurologic exams to test strength, sensation, reflexes, and movement patterns
• Functional assessments to evaluate posture, mobility, and muscle activation
• In some cases, diagnostic imaging (MRI or X-ray) may be recommended if symptoms are severe or don't improve with conservative care

Remember, not all leg pain is sciatica—during evaluation, we also rule out vascular, muscular, and joint-related causes.

 

Conservative Treatment Options for Sciatica

Most cases of sciatica resolve without surgery and respond well to conservative care. Here's how we approach it:

1. Chiropractic Adjustments

Gentle spinal adjustments help restore joint mobility, reduce nerve irritation, and improve posture, especially when disc involvement or joint dysfunction is present.

2. Soft Tissue Therapy

Targeted work on the glutes, piriformis, and lumbar paraspinal muscles helps reduce muscular compression and improve circulation to the area.

3. Movement-Based Rehab

We guide patients through specific exercises to reduce nerve tension and restore strength and mobility:

• Nerve glides (aka flossing)
• Pelvic tilts
• Bird dogs and bridges
• Core and glute strengthening

4. Lifestyle and Ergonomic Modifications

To support recovery, we may address:

• Sleep habits and position
• Workstation set-up
• Lifting and walking mechanics
• Diet and nutrition

 

When Is Medical Intervention Needed? 

Although most cases improve with conservative care, you should seek medical evaluation if you experience:

• Progressive leg weakness
• Loss of bowel or bladder control (a red flag for cauda equina syndrome)
• Severe, unrelenting pain not responsive to conservative treatment

More advanced imaging or a referral to a specialist may be warranted in these cases.

 

How Long Does Sciatica Take to Heal? 

Recovery time depends on the cause, severity, and how early care is started. With conservative treatment:

• Mild cases may resolve in 2-4 weeks
• Moderate cases often improve in 4-8 weeks
• Severe, chronic, or recurrent sciatica may require 3+ months of ongoing care and rehabilitation

Consistency with treatment, movement, and self-care practices significantly affects recovery outcomes.

 

Preventing Sciatica Recurrence 

Prevention is about supporting spinal health and movement quality. Here are key strategies:

• Strengthen core and glutes
• Incorporate mobility work into your routine (especially for hips and thoracic spine)
• Avoid prolonged sitting or poor ergonomics
• Lift with proper form and engage your core
• Stay physically active to promote circulation and spinal health

 

Final Thoughts

While frustrating and painful, sciatica is a treatable condition. Understanding the cause of your symptoms is the first step towards relief. Whether it stems from a disc issue, muscle imbalance, or movement dysfunction, a targeted, holistic approach can help you recover and prevent future flare-ups.

At Arthrology Chiropractic, we specialize in personalized, noninvasive care that addresses the root of sciatica—not just the symptoms. If you're struggling with leg pain or nerve irritation, we're here to help.