Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes & Care Options

Sciatica describes symptoms, not one single cause

Sciatica usually means pain traveling from the lower back or buttock into a leg, sometimes with tingling, numbness or weakness. Irritation of a spinal nerve root, including from a herniated disc, is a common cause. Narrowing around the nerves can also contribute. Back pain by itself is not necessarily sciatica.

Sitting can aggravate symptoms for some people, but prolonged sitting is not a diagnosis. Buttock muscles, hip problems and other conditions can produce similar pain. An examination helps distinguish these possibilities; piriformis-related pain is not the only form of “true” sciatica.

What an assessment should cover

Tell your clinician where symptoms travel, when they began, what changes them and whether you have noticed weakness or altered sensation. Bring information about previous injuries, medical conditions and treatments. The findings help determine whether care in the clinic, medical evaluation or a specialist referral is appropriate.

Imaging is not automatically necessary for every episode. It may be considered when the findings raise concern or the result would change management.

Care options and realistic expectations

Advice about activity and an exercise plan matched to your abilities may be part of care. Manual therapy, such as mobilization, manipulation or massage, may be considered alongside exercise when appropriate. Benefits vary, and treatment should be reassessed if symptoms worsen or meaningful progress is not occurring. No particular technique can guarantee that surgery will be avoided.

Instead of assuming one stretch or posture is right for everyone, discuss the movements that are comfortable for you and the activities you want to regain. Explore our chiropractic services and sciatica research overview for more context.

Discuss your symptoms at either clinic

Visit our Vancouver, WA clinic or Gresham, OR clinic. Describe your main concern in a short appointment request; save detailed medical records for your visit.