Sciatica describes pain, numbness, or tingling that travels down the back of the leg along the sciatic nerve. It's a symptom that can be caused by a disc herniation, piriformis muscle compression, joint dysfunction, or several other things. Effective treatment depends entirely on identifying which.
Our diagnostic process
A careful neurological and orthopedic exam usually identifies the source. Imaging is reserved for cases that don't respond to conservative care or where red flags are present. The exam findings - not just the symptoms - drive the treatment plan.
What care typically looks like
- Adjustments to the lumbar and SI region to restore motion.
- Decompression therapy when disc involvement is confirmed.
- Soft tissue work for piriformis or hamstring entrapment.
- Specific neural mobilization exercises.
- Progressive loading once symptoms are calming.
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