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Sciatica treatment on patient's back

Sciatica

Sciatica can cause sharp, radiating pain that travels from the lower back and down through the hips, buttocks, and into the leg. For many people, it’s more than a simple discomfort. Those who have sciatica may have trouble walking, sitting, working, and even sleeping.

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Sandia Injury Center works with people suffering from sciatica, and we can create targeted care plans that are focused on relieving sciatic nerve irritation and pain.

What Is Sciatica?

Though many people refer to sciatica as a condition, it is actually a set of symptoms that are caused by the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. This is the largest nerve in the body, and it runs from the lower spine, through the hips, and down each leg.

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When the sciatic nerve gets compressed, it may lead to pain, inflammation, and neurological symptoms that extend through the lower back, into the hips, and even the upper legs.

Why Sciatic Nerve Pain Develops

Generally, sciatica is caused by pressure on the nerve roots in the lumbar spine. This pressure may come from a number of structural issues within the spine or even in the surrounding tissues.

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Some of the common causes include:

  • Herniated or bulging discs pressing on nerve roots

  • Spinal misalignment affecting nerve pathways

  • Degenerative disc disease

  • Muscle tightness, particularly in the lower back or glutes

  • Piriformis syndrome, where a muscle irritates the sciatic nerve

  • Injuries from auto accidents or heavy lifting

  • Prolonged sitting or poor posture

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Even a small imbalance in the hips or spine can create enough pressure to trigger this type of nerve pain.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Oftentimes, sciatica presents with distinct symptoms that set it apart from other types of back pain. These symptoms can vary in intensity depending on how much the nerve is being irritated.

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Common symptoms of sciatica are:

  • Sharp, shooting pain that radiates down one leg

  • Burning or tingling sensations

  • Numbness or weakness in the leg or foot

  • Pain that worsens when sitting or standing for long periods

  • Difficulty walking/maintaining balance

  • Discomfort that travels from the lower back into the hip and leg

In many cases, the pain is actually felt more in the leg than in the lower back.

A Targeted Approach to Sciatica Relief

Here at Sandia Injury Center, we offer a personalized treatment plan for every patient who comes to us with sciatic nerve pain. Instead of masking the pain, we take time to correct the structural issues in the body that are causing the irritation.

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Chiropractic treatment may include:

  • Spinal adjustments to improve alignment and reduce nerve pressure

  • Decompression techniques to relieve stress on the discs

  • Soft tissue therapy to relax tight muscles

  • Stretching exercises to improve flexibility

  • Strengthening programs to support the lower back and core

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By addressing both the spine and surrounding muscles, this approach helps reduce inflammation and promote healing.

What to Expect During Your First Appointment

We work with every patient from their first appointment to determine the exact source of sciatic pain. Because sciatica can have more than one cause, doing this is very important.

Typically, an evaluation includes:

  • A detailed discussion of symptoms and medical history

  • Physical examination of the spine, hips, & posture

  • Neurological testing to assess nerve function

  • Movement analysis to identify contributing factors

  • Imaging, if necessary, to confirm the diagnosis

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Once we have identified the cause, a customized treatment plan is developed to specifically target the source of the pain.

Doctor examining patient's lower back
Woman with glowing spine showing lower back pain

Benefits of Non-Surgical Sciatica Treatment

Many people find great relief for sciatica without needing surgery or long-term medication use.

Non-invasive care includes:

  • Drug-free pain relief

  • Reduced nerve inflammation and irritation

  • Improved mobility and flexibility

  • Strengthened muscles that support the spine

  • Faster recovery from injury

  • Lower risk of recurring flare-ups

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With regular treatments, patients often experience a gradual reduction in pain and improved function.

Get Back to Comfortable Movement Without Sciatic Nerve Pain

Sciatica can limit a person’s ability to move freely and enjoy their daily activities. However, effective treatment is available from Sandia Injury Center.

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We take the time to find the root cause of nerve irritation and help our patients have less pain, more mobility, and get back to their normal routines without discomfort.

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If sciatic pain is affecting your quality of life, seeking care now can help you move forward with greater comfort and confidence.

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