Sciatica FAQs

This condition can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. Typically, sciatica only affects one side of the body. The pain can range from mild to severe and may worsen with specific activities such as sitting or standing for long periods. Sciatica can also make it difficult to move your leg or foot. This means that you might have trouble walking or going up and down stairs.

Several different things can cause sciatica. A herniated disc is one of the most common causes. This happens when the discs in your spine become damaged and begin to bulge out. This can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause pain. Other causes of sciatica include spinal stenosis, which is a spinal canal narrowing, and pregnancy. Generally, sciatica occurs when something puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.

The treatment for sciatica will depend on the underlying cause. If a herniated disc is causing your sciatica, we may recommend physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, or decompression therapy. If your sciatica is caused by pregnancy, it will usually go away after you give birth.

You should see a chiropractor if you’re experiencing pain in your lower back or leg. This is especially true if the pain worsens with certain activities or position changes. You should also see a doctor if the pain lasts longer than a week. If you have any numbness or weakness in your leg, you should seek medical attention immediately.