What Is Sciatica and When to See a Chiropractor?

Sciatica is pain that runs along the sciatic nerve, the large nerve that travels from the lower back through the buttock and down the back of the leg. It is a symptom rather than a diagnosis on its own: it usually means a nerve is being irritated or compressed, often by a herniated disc, a bone spur or narrowing in the lower spine.

People describe sciatica in different ways: a shooting or burning pain down one leg, tingling, numbness, or a feeling of weakness in the leg or foot. It is often worse with sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing, and it can be mild or severe. Because the nerve relates to how the lower back and pelvis move, discomfort frequently shows up alongside low-back restrictions.

Chiropractic care may help some people with sciatica, particularly when the discomfort stems from joint restriction or how the lower back and pelvis move. Dr. Gregory Martin begins with a careful history and an examination of how your spine and legs move, then tells you honestly whether chiropractic care fits your situation or whether another provider is a better first step.

Sciatica is not something to simply push through in every case. See a medical professional promptly if you have loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, progressive weakness in a leg, or symptoms that started after a fall or car accident. If the pain is severe, lasts more than about a week, or interferes with walking or sleep, a medical evaluation is a reasonable first step before any care.

Dr. Greg has practiced since 1996 and sees patients at his office in Sparta, New Jersey, in the heart of Sussex County. If leg pain radiating from your back is getting in the way of your days, an evaluation that looks at the whole picture is a sensible next step.

Call or text (973) 699-4100 to schedule an evaluation.