Sciatica is a term used to describe pain that starts in the lower back or hip and travels down the leg. It can feel sharp, burning, electric, or deep and aching. In many cases, it also comes with numbness, tingling, or weakness.
At Atlas Chiropractic, we don’t just focus on where the pain is felt. We look at what’s causing irritation to the nerve and how your body is responding to it. Our goal is to reduce pressure on the nerve, improve movement, and help your body recover so you can get back to normal activity with confidence.
Sciatica symptoms usually affect one side of the body and follow the path of the nerve down the leg.
You may experience:
These symptoms are often linked to irritation or compression of a nerve in the lower spine.
Sciatica isn’t a single condition—it’s a set of symptoms caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve or the nerve roots in the lower back.
Common causes include:
Disc Herniation
A bulging or herniated disc can press on a nerve and cause pain that travels down the leg.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing around the nerves can create pressure, especially during standing or walking.
Joint Dysfunction & Movement Stress
Restricted joints, poor movement patterns, or instability can increase stress on the lower back and surrounding structures.
Muscle-Related Irritation
Tight muscles in the hip or glute region can sometimes irritate the nerve outside the spine.
Because there are multiple possible causes, identifying the right one is key to choosing the right treatment.
Some cases of sciatica improve over time, but others can worsen or lead to long-term issues if not properly addressed.
You should consider getting evaluated if:
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
At Atlas Chiropractic, we always begin by making sure it’s safe and appropriate to treat your condition.
Sciatica care isn’t just about reducing pain—it’s about addressing what’s irritating the nerve and helping your body function better.
Our approach typically follows three phases:
Reduce pain, calm nerve irritation, and improve tolerance to movement
Improve strength, mobility, and coordination in the spine, hips, and surrounding muscles
Build resilience and reduce the risk of recurring flare-ups
This structured approach helps your body recover more completely and reduces the chances of symptoms returning.
Options may include:
The goal is to reduce pressure on the nerve while helping your body move and function more effectively.
Sciatica is often caused by a combination of factors—not just one issue. Treating only the symptoms may provide short-term relief, but it doesn’t always prevent the problem from returning.
Our approach focuses on reducing irritation, improving movement, and building strength so your body can better handle daily activity.
This leads to better outcomes, improved mobility, and greater confidence in movement.
