Sciatica Treatment
Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, typically starting in the lower back and radiating into the hip, buttock, or leg. It is often caused by irritation or compression of a nerve in the lower spine.
Dr. Joel Ardner provides evaluation and treatment for sciatica with a focus on reducing nerve irritation, restoring movement, and helping patients return to normal activity.
What Is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and runs from the lower back down into the legs. Sciatica occurs when this nerve becomes irritated or compressed, often due to conditions affecting the lumbar spine.
Sciatica is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, meaning it is typically caused by an underlying condition.
Common Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica is most often associated with conditions affecting the discs and joints of the lower spine.
Common causes include:
Disc-related irritation
Spinal joint dysfunction
Degenerative changes in the spine (spinal stenosis)
Muscle tension affecting nearby structures
Identifying the underlying cause is important for effective treatment.
Common Symptoms
Sciatica can present in different ways depending on the severity and cause.
Symptoms may include:
Pain radiating from the lower back into the leg
Sharp, burning, or shooting pain
Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
Muscle weakness
Pain that worsens with sitting or prolonged positions
Symptoms may affect one side of the body and vary in intensity.
What to Expect
Evaluation begins with a detailed review of symptoms and a physical examination to assess movement, nerve function, and spinal involvement.
This helps determine the source of nerve irritation and guides appropriate treatment.
Treatment for Sciatica
Treatment focuses on reducing pressure or irritation on the affected nerve while improving overall spinal function.
Depending on the condition, care may include:
Chiropractic care to improve spinal mobility
Flexion-distraction therapy to help reduce pressure on spinal discs
Soft tissue treatment to reduce muscle tension
Rehabilitation exercises to improve stability and movement
Activity and posture recommendations
Treatment is tailored to the individual based on their symptoms and response to care.
Sciatica and Disc Injuries
Many cases of sciatica are related to disc conditions in the lower spine. When a disc becomes irritated or bulges, it can place pressure on nearby nerves.
👉 Learn more about disc injury treatment
Sciatica After a Car Accident
Sciatica symptoms can develop after a motor vehicle accident due to forces placed on the lower back and spine. These symptoms may not always appear immediately.
If your symptoms began after an accident, early evaluation may help identify the cause and guide treatment.
👉 Learn more about what to do after a car accident
When to Seek Evaluation
You should consider scheduling an evaluation if you experience:
Pain radiating into the leg
Numbness or tingling
Muscle weakness
Persistent lower back pain
Symptoms that worsen with sitting or movement
Early evaluation can help reduce the risk of symptoms becoming more severe or prolonged.
About Dr. Joel Ardner
Dr. Joel Ardner provides treatment for sciatica using a combination of chiropractic care, flexion-distraction therapy, and rehabilitation strategies. Care is focused on reducing pain, improving movement, and helping patients return to normal activities.
Patients are seen at Fabrizio Chiropractic & Physical Rehabilitation.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are experiencing radiating leg pain or symptoms consistent with sciatica, an evaluation may help determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.