Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Signs, And When To Get Checked

Sciatica describes pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, typically from the lower back through the hip and leg, and it often stems from nerve compression in the lumbar spine. Here’s what commonly causes it, the signs worth watching for, and how we approach it at Kent Kangley Chiropractic.

Common Causes Of Sciatica

Sciatica has a few common drivers:

• A herniated or bulging disc pressing on the sciatic nerve root — one of the most common sources of sciatic pain.
• Nerve compression and irritation along the sciatic nerve’s path.
• Prolonged sitting, which increases pressure on the lower spine and can aggravate an already-irritated sciatic nerve.

Signs Of Sciatica To Watch For

A few patterns are worth having examined:

• Pain radiating down one leg.
• Numbness or tingling alongside the pain.
• Pain that’s worse when sitting.
• Lower back discomfort accompanying the leg symptoms.

Numbness Or Weakness Down The Leg Warrants Prompt Evaluation

Sciatica pain that’s purely uncomfortable often responds well to a structured care plan, but numbness, tingling, or weakness extending down the leg is a sign the nerve irritation deserves a closer look sooner rather than later.

How We Approach Sciatica At Kent Kangley Chiropractic

We identify where along the nerve pathway the irritation is originating. Imaging isn’t always necessary — we use it selectively when your exam findings call for it. From there, your plan — see our techniques page for the range of approaches we draw from — targets reducing pressure on the affected nerve root and restoring normal movement.

For more detail on how we treat sciatica specifically, visit our Sciatica Treatment page.