Sciatica Relief with Chiropractic Care

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg.

When this nerve is irritated, it can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels from the low back into the leg—sometimes all the way to the foot.

Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis itself. The real key to relief is identifying why the nerve is being irritated.

Common Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may come and go or worsen over time.

Common signs include:

  • Pain that starts in the lower back and travels into the buttock or leg

  • Sharp, burning, or electric-like pain down one leg

  • Numbness or tingling in the leg, calf, or foot

  • Weakness in the leg or foot

  • Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or standing up

  • Difficulty walking or standing for long periods

Sciatica typically affects one side of the body, though it can occasionally involve both.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when something places pressure on the sciatic nerve. Common causes include:

  • Disc herniation or bulging disc

  • Degenerative disc disease

  • Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)

  • Poor spinal alignment or joint dysfunction

  • Piriformis muscle tightness or spasm

  • Prolonged sitting or repetitive strain

  • Previous back injury

Identifying the root cause is essential—treating sciatica without understanding the source often leads to temporary relief and recurring pain.

How Chiropractic Care Helps Sciatica

Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper spinal motion, reducing nerve pressure, and improving function, not just masking symptoms.

Depending on the cause of your sciatica, care may include:

  • Gentle spinal adjustments to improve alignment and mobility

  • Decompression or disc-focused therapies (when appropriate)

  • Soft tissue techniques to reduce muscle tension and nerve irritation

  • Movement and postural guidance to prevent flare-ups

  • Corrective exercises to support long-term healing

The goal is to reduce nerve irritation, restore normal movement, and help your body heal naturally.

Is Sciatica Permanent?

In many cases, sciatica is very treatable. Some people experience relief within weeks, while others with chronic or severe cases may require a longer, structured plan of care.

Early evaluation leads to better outcomes. Ignoring sciatica can allow nerve irritation to worsen and may increase the risk of ongoing pain or weakness.

When Should You Seek Care?

You should have sciatica evaluated if you experience:

  • Pain radiating into the leg that lasts more than a few days

  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot

  • Pain that worsens with sitting or daily activities

  • Recurring episodes of low back and leg pain

If you experience loss of bowel or bladder control, progressive leg weakness, or severe numbness, seek immediate medical care.

Our Approach to Sciatica Relief

At Avad Chiropractic & Wellness, we take a root-cause, personalized approach to sciatica. No cookie-cutter plans. No rushed adjustments.

Your care begins with:

  • A thorough history and exam

  • Identification of the source of nerve irritation

  • A clear explanation of findings

  • A plan tailored to your body, goals, and lifestyle

Our focus is not just pain relief—but helping you move, work, and live with confidence again.

Schedule an Evaluation for Sciatica

Sciatic pain doesn’t have to control your life.

If you’re dealing with low back pain that travels into your leg, numbness, or tingling, chiropractic care may help.