Brief overview
Sciatica
Sciatica is a description of symptoms — commonly pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that follows the sciatic nerve — rather than a diagnosis on its own. The underlying cause guides the plan.
Sciatica describes pain or neurological symptoms that travel along the path of the sciatic nerve. Because similar symptoms may have different causes, proper evaluation is essential before recommending care.
Common causes
What may be driving it.
- Lumbar disc involvement compressing a nerve root
- Facet or sacroiliac joint irritation with referred pain
- Piriformis-related nerve irritation
- Postural or repetitive-load contributors
How chiropractic evaluation may help
A careful assessment first. Then a plan.
Every plan is individualized. A thorough consultation and evaluation is the foundation of appropriate care — or a referral, if that is the right next step.
Evaluation
- — Neurological testing of the sciatic distribution
- — Orthopedic and movement assessment
- — Review of any prior imaging
- — Referral for advanced imaging when it will change the plan
How care may help
- — Individualized adjustments and mobilization
- — Soft-tissue and neural mobility work
- — Home protocol tailored to the aggravating positions
- — Coordination with medical or specialist care when appropriate
Ready to understand your sciatica?
A thoughtful evaluation is the fastest path to clarity — and to the right next step for your body.
Continue exploring
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