Sciatica
Sciatica — pain that radiates from the low back or buttock down the leg — can range from a dull ache to sharp, disabling pain. At Two Sparrows, we focus on identifying exactly what's irritating the sciatic nerve rather than just treating the symptom.
Symptoms We Commonly See
Understanding Sciatica
"Sciatica" describes a pattern of symptoms, not a single diagnosis — the sciatic nerve can be irritated at several different points along its path, and where it's irritated affects both the symptoms and the appropriate care.
Why It Happens
Sciatic nerve irritation is often caused by pressure or restriction somewhere along its path — commonly related to disc issues, joint restriction in the low back or pelvis, or muscular tension (such as in the piriformis muscle). Identifying the actual source matters, since sciatica can stem from different underlying issues.
Common Causes
Disc-related sciatica — a bulging or herniated disc pressing on a nerve root as it exits the spine
Piriformis syndrome — tightness in the piriformis muscle in the buttock irritating the nearby sciatic nerve
Spinal stenosis — narrowing of the space around the nerve roots, more common with age
Joint restriction — misalignment or reduced movement in the low back or sacroiliac joints altering normal nerve function
Pregnancy-related sciatica — see our dedicated page on Sciatica During Pregnancy for pregnancy-specific causes
What Makes Sciatica Different From General Back Pain
Sciatica specifically involves the nerve itself, which is why it produces radiating symptoms — pain, numbness, or tingling that travels down the leg — rather than staying localized to the low back. This distinction matters for how we approach your exam and care plan.
When to Seek Medical Evaluation
Contact your physician immediately if sciatica is accompanied by: progressive weakness in the leg or foot, numbness in the groin or inner thighs (saddle anesthesia), or loss of bladder or bowel control — these can indicate a more serious condition requiring urgent evaluation.
Pain radiating from the low back or buttock down one leg
Numbness or tingling along the path of the nerve
Pain that worsens with sitting, standing, or certain movements
Weakness in the leg in more significant cases
Our Approach
A thorough Gonstead exam, including full spine X-rays when appropriate, helps pinpoint exactly where the irritation is coming from. Adjustments are then targeted to the specific area contributing to your symptoms.
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please seek immediate medical care for numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder/bowel control.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No — while disc issues are one cause, sciatica can also stem from joint restriction or muscular tension. A thorough exam helps determine the actual cause in your case.
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This depends on the underlying cause and how long you've had symptoms. We'll discuss a realistic timeline after your exam.
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If you experience significant weakness, numbness that doesn't improve, or loss of bladder/bowel control, seek immediate medical attention.
Everyone deserves to feel like themselves again
— not wincing every time it shoots down your leg, wondering when it'll strike next.
Holistic, non-invasive chiropractic care helps to provide a clear and hopeful path forward for you and your family, meeting you exactly where you are, whether you're dealing with a nagging ache that's overstayed its welcome or searching for real answers after years of being told to just live with it. You don't have to have all the answers today — just a willingness to explore what's possible, one gentle step at a time.