Sciatica Pain in the Leg – Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
Sciatica is more than just back pain—it’s a condition that can send sharp, burning pain down your leg, making everyday activities difficult. Whether you’re dealing with a dull ache, tingling, or even muscle weakness, sciatica can disrupt your life if left untreated.
But what exactly causes sciatica, and how can you find relief? In this guide, we’ll break down the common causes, symptoms, and most effective treatment options—including chiropractic care—to help you get back to moving pain-free.
Struggling with Sciatica? Here’s What You Need to Know
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates from the lower back down through the buttock and leg, typically affecting one side but occasionally impacting both. The pain can vary — from a deep, dull ache to sharp, shooting or burning sensations. You might also experience numbness, tingling, or pins and needles.
Several spinal nerve roots—L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3—form the sciatic nerve. Sciatic symptoms often follow when a herniated disc, inflamed facet joint, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or tight piriformis muscle compresses or irritates one of these nerves.
Accurate Diagnosis Is Key
Clinicians must identify the root cause to treat sciatica effectively. Taking a detailed history and performing a thorough physical examination helps pinpoint whether the problem involves a disc, joint, or muscle. Orthopedic and neurological tests reveal the source, and while imaging such as MRI isn’t always essential, practitioners may recommend it if symptoms continue or the leg shows signs of muscle weakness.
Effective, Conservative Treatment Options
At Farrelly Chiropractic, we’ve helped thousands of patients overcome sciatica with safe, non-invasive care. Our personalized treatment plans may include:
•Gentle spinal adjustments
•Flexion-distraction therapy
•Active Release Techniques (ART)
•Nerve gliding exercises
•Targeted massage
•Mobility and strengthening exercises
We may collaborate with your GP or specialist for stubborn or more severe cases. While cortisone injections can offer short-term relief by reducing inflammation, they rarely address the underlying issue.
You Don’t Have to Live with Sciatic Pain
Most cases can improve significantly without surgery or long-term medication use with proper care.
Book an assessment with Farrelly Chiropractic and get back to doing what you love — pain-free.
