Sciatica: What It Is, Why It Hurts, and How We Help You Get Back to Living

If you’ve ever had a sharp, burning pain shoot from your lower back down the back of your leg, you probably didn’t need anyone to tell you something was wrong. Sciatica is one of the most common reasons people walk through our doors, and after more than 16 years in practice, I can tell you it’s also one of the most frustrating things to live with. It can make sitting through a workday, driving to your kid’s game, or even getting a good night’s sleep feel impossible.

The good news is that most people with sciatica get better, and many of them never need medication or surgery to do it. Here’s what I want you to know.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica isn’t actually a diagnosis. It’s a description of symptoms. Your sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in your body. It starts in your lower back, runs through your hips and buttocks, and travels down the back of each leg. When something irritates or puts pressure on that nerve, you feel it along its path.

The most common causes I see are:

• Bulging or herniated discs pressing on the nerve roots in the lower back

• Joint restrictions and misalignments in the lower spine and pelvis

• Piriformis syndrome, where a tight muscle deep in the hip squeezes the nerve

• Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the space around the nerves, which is more common as we age

• Muscle imbalances and poor posture that build up over months and years

  
  

Who Does It Affect?

Honestly, just about anyone. As many as 4 in 10 people will deal with sciatica at some point in their lives. I see it most often in:

• Adults between 30 and 60, especially those who sit for long hours at a desk or in a vehicle

• People who do heavy lifting, whether that’s at work, in the gym, or shoveling an Iowa driveway in January

• Athletes, including golfers (something I know a little about), runners and weekend warriors

• Expecting moms, as the body changes and the pelvis shifts during pregnancy

• Anyone recovering from a car accident or a fall

  
  

What Does Sciatica Feel Like?

Sciatica shows up a little differently for everyone, but the most common symptoms include:

• Pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and travels down one leg

• Sharp, burning, or electric “zinging” sensations

• Numbness or tingling in the leg, foot or toes

• Weakness in the leg or foot

• Pain that gets worse with sitting, standing for long periods, coughing or sneezing

• Trouble finding a comfortable position to sleep

Usually it affects only one side of the body.

An important note: If you have sciatica along with loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin area, or rapidly worsening leg weakness, don’t wait. Go to the emergency room right away, because these can be signs of a serious condition that needs immediate care.

How Chiropractic Care Helps

My goal is always to find and fix the cause of your pain, not just cover up the symptoms. When the joints of your lower back and pelvis aren’t moving the way they should, they can put extra stress on your discs and the surrounding nerves.

Through gentle, specific chiropractic, we work to restore proper motion and alignment, take pressure off the irritated nerve, and calm down the inflammation around it. Many of my patients are surprised by how gentle this can be. I often use the Specific Prone technique, a gentle approach that works well whether you’re 8 or 80 and is especially helpful when you’re already hurting.

Needle-Free Electro-Acupuncture

A lot of people are curious about acupuncture but don’t love the idea of needles. That’s why we offer modern, needle-free electro-acupuncture. We use gentle electrical stimulation on specific points to help relax tight muscles, improve circulation and reduce pain. Patients find it comfortable and relaxing, and it pairs really well with adjustments when sciatica is flaring up.

Spinal Decompression

If a bulging or herniated disc is behind your sciatica, spinal decompression may be a great fit. Our decompression tables gently and slowly stretch the spine, creating space between the vertebrae. That helps take pressure off the disc and the nerve and encourages water, oxygen and nutrients to flow back into the disc so it can heal.

It’s non-surgical and comfortable. Most patients actually relax on the table, and it’s often a great option for people who have been told they may eventually need surgery.

Our Active Approach to Healing

Here’s something I tell every sciatica patient: the treatment we provide in the office is only part of the equation. What you do between visits matters just as much.

That’s why we take an active approach to your care. Depending on your situation, your plan may include:

• Targeted stretches for the hips, hamstrings and piriformis to relieve tension on the nerve

• Strengthening exercises for your core and glutes, so your spine has the support it needs

• Better ergonomics at work and at home, from desk and chair setup to how you sit in the car to how you lift your kids or the laundry basket

• Simple daily habits, like getting up to move every 30 to 45 minutes and using ice or heat the right way

We’ll show you exactly what to do and progress it as you improve. Our goal isn’t just to get you out of pain; it’s to help keep you out of pain.

Tips You Can Start Today

While you’re working toward feeling better, a few simple things can help:

• Keep moving gently. Bed rest usually makes sciatica worse. Short, easy walks are often one of the best things you can do.

• Watch how you sit. Keep both feet on the floor, avoid crossing your legs, and take your wallet out of your back pocket.

• Don’t push through sharp pain. Discomfort is okay; sharp or shooting pain is your body telling you to back off.

• Sleep smart. Try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees, or on your back with a pillow under your knees.

  
  

When to Get Help

If your sciatica has lasted more than a few days, keeps coming back, or is getting in the way of work, sleep or the things you love, it’s time to get it checked out. The sooner we find the cause, the sooner we can get you on the road to recovery.

At Pure Wellness Chiropractic & Acupuncture, every new patient starts with a free consultation, so we can listen to what’s going on and talk about whether our care is right for you. Walk-ins and same-day appointments are always welcome.

If sciatica is slowing you down, schedule your visit or give us a call at (515) 225-2220. We’re conveniently located in Clive next to Cooper’s Hawk and proudly serve families throughout West Des Moines, Waukee and Urbandale.

Here’s to feeling like yourself again!

Dr. Justin Allen, DC