Sciatica describes symptoms that occur when the sciatic nerve or associated nerve roots become irritated or compressed. Pain commonly begins around the lower back or buttock and travels down one leg.

Total Health Elevated provides both short- and longer-term treatment options for patients experiencing sciatica and related symptoms.

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Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica may cause:

  • Lower-back discomfort
  • Buttock pain
  • Pain traveling down the leg
  • Burning sensations
  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Leg or foot weakness

Symptoms may become worse after prolonged sitting, standing, bending, or certain movements.

What Causes Sciatica?

Several conditions can irritate the nerve roots that eventually form the sciatic nerve. These may include a herniated or bulging disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative changes, or other spinal conditions.

Determining the likely source of the symptoms allows your provider to develop a more appropriate treatment strategy.

Sciatica FAQ

Yes. Tingling, numbness, and weakness can occur when a nerve is irritated or compressed.

 

Some cases improve with time and conservative care, while others persist or recur and require additional evaluation.

 

Appropriate movement may be beneficial, but exercises should be selected based on the cause and severity of your symptoms.

 

Seek immediate medical attention for symptoms such as new bowel or bladder dysfunction, numbness around the groin/saddle area, or rapidly worsening leg weakness.