Sciatica Treatment in Walnut Creek, California
Is Pain Traveling From Your Lower Back or Buttock Down Your Leg?
It might start as an ache in your lower back or buttock.
Then you notice something different.
A sharp or electric-like pain travels down your leg.
Your calf tingles.
Your foot feels numb.
Sitting through a commute becomes uncomfortable. Standing up after sitting takes a moment. Walking, exercising, sleeping, or simply finding a comfortable position becomes harder than it should be.
You may have already wondered:
“Is this sciatica?”
At Stojanovich Chiropractic in Walnut Creek, California, Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. evaluates lower-back and leg symptoms to determine whether they appear consistent with sciatica, what may be contributing to them, and whether chiropractic care is appropriate.
What Is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the body's largest nerve. Its contributing nerve roots originate in the lower spine, and the nerve travels through the buttock and down the leg.
When one of those nerve roots—or the sciatic nerve itself—is irritated or compressed, symptoms may be experienced along part of that pathway.
Sciatica can involve:
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Sharp or shooting leg pain
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Burning or electric-like sensations
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Tingling or pins and needles
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Numbness
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Pain in the buttock
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Symptoms traveling down the thigh or lower leg
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Symptoms extending into the foot
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Weakness in some cases
Sciatica commonly affects one side, although symptom patterns vary.
Most importantly:
Sciatica describes a pattern of symptoms. It doesn't tell us by itself what's causing them.
Finding the likely cause is an important part of determining appropriate care.
Why Does Sciatica Cause Pain Down the Leg?
This is one of the most confusing things about sciatica.
Your leg hurts, so why are we talking about your lower back?
Nerves carry signals between the spine and other parts of the body.
When a nerve root contributing to the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed, symptoms can sometimes be felt farther along the nerve's distribution.
That's why a problem involving the lower spine can potentially produce symptoms in the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot.
This type of symptom is often called radiating pain.
But pain traveling down a leg isn't automatically sciatica.
Other conditions can produce similar symptoms, which is why an examination matters.
What Causes Sciatica?
There isn't one single cause of sciatica.
Several conditions may potentially affect the nerve roots that contribute to the sciatic nerve.
One possible cause is a lumbar herniated disc.
Depending on its location, displaced disc material may irritate or compress a nearby nerve root and contribute to sciatic symptoms.
Other spinal changes or conditions may also affect the space around a nerve.
And sometimes symptoms that feel like sciatica may actually have another origin.
That's why Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. doesn't simply hear “pain down my leg” and assume that every patient has the same problem.
Is Sciatica the Same as a Herniated Disc?
No.
Sciatica and a herniated disc are related terms, but they don't mean the same thing.
Sciatica describes a pattern of nerve-related symptoms.
A herniated disc describes a structural change involving an intervertebral disc.
A lumbar disc herniation can sometimes affect a nerve root and cause sciatic symptoms.
But you can also have a disc herniation without sciatica—or even without pain.
And sciatica can have causes other than a herniated disc.
Understanding that distinction helps ensure we're treating the patient rather than an imaging term.
Is Sciatica the Same as a Pinched Nerve?
Not exactly.
“Pinched nerve” is a general phrase patients often use to describe symptoms caused by nerve irritation or compression.
Sciatica is more specific. It refers to symptoms involving the sciatic nerve or its contributing nerve roots.
A compressed or irritated lumbar nerve root may produce sciatic symptoms, but not every “pinched nerve” is sciatica.
For example, a nerve-related problem in the neck may produce symptoms into an arm or hand instead.
What Does Sciatica Feel Like?
Sciatica doesn't feel exactly the same for everyone.
One person may describe a sharp pain shooting from the buttock down the leg.
Another may experience burning.
Someone else may notice tingling or numbness extending toward the foot.
Symptoms may also change depending on position and activity.
You might notice them while:
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Sitting for extended periods
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Driving
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Standing
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Walking
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Bending
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Lifting
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Exercising
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Moving between sitting and standing
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Coughing or sneezing in some cases
The pattern of your symptoms can provide important information during an evaluation.
Why Is My Sciatica Worse When I Sit or Drive?
Some people with sciatic symptoms notice that sitting—particularly for extended periods—aggravates their discomfort.
Others notice symptoms more while standing or walking.
There isn't one position that affects everyone with sciatica the same way.
The underlying cause, location of nerve involvement, individual anatomy, movement, and other factors can all influence symptoms.
If your commute or desk time consistently aggravates your leg pain, that's useful information to share with Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. during your evaluation.
What Happens During a Sciatica Chiropractic Evaluation?
Your evaluation starts with your symptoms and history.
Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. may ask:
Where does the pain begin?
How far down the leg does it travel?
Is it sharp, burning, aching, tingling, or numb?
Do you have lower-back pain too?
Is one leg affected or both?
Does sitting make it worse?
What about walking or standing?
Are you experiencing weakness?
Did the symptoms begin after an injury?
Have they been changing or progressing?
Have you already had an X-ray, MRI, or another evaluation?
Your examination may include assessment of spinal and lower-extremity movement, musculoskeletal function, strength, sensation, reflexes, and other neurological findings when appropriate.
The goal isn't simply to confirm that your leg hurts.
It's to determine whether your symptoms appear consistent with sciatica, what may be contributing to them, and what should happen next.
Do I Need an MRI for Sciatica?
Not everyone with sciatica needs an MRI.
Imaging decisions depend on your history, symptoms, examination findings, neurological findings, severity and progression, previous injuries, duration of symptoms, and other clinical considerations.
If Dr. Stojanovich believes imaging is appropriate, he can discuss the next step or refer you for diagnostic imaging when necessary.
If you've already had an MRI or other imaging, bring the available report and images so they can be considered alongside your current symptoms and examination.
Chiropractic Care for Sciatica
Chiropractic care may be appropriate for certain patients with sciatica, depending on the underlying cause and clinical findings.
There isn't one adjustment or treatment protocol that's right for everyone experiencing pain down the leg.
Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. considers your symptoms, neurological findings, musculoskeletal examination, health history, previous injuries, and imaging when relevant before recommending care.
If chiropractic care is appropriate, treatment is individualized to your condition and tolerance.
The goal isn't simply to “unpinch the sciatic nerve.”
It's to appropriately manage the musculoskeletal condition contributing to your symptoms while monitoring how you respond.
Can Intersegmental Traction Help With Sciatica?
Intersegmental traction may be considered as part of conservative care for certain spinal conditions associated with sciatic symptoms.
But traction isn't appropriate for every patient with sciatica.
Whether it makes sense depends on what's contributing to your symptoms, your examination findings, health history, and other clinical considerations.
Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. can determine whether Intersegmental traction or another supportive therapy may be appropriate as part of your individualized care plan.
You shouldn't have to decide which therapy you need before you walk through the door.
That's what the evaluation is for.
Should I Stretch if I Have Sciatica?
It's tempting to search for “the best sciatica stretch” and start trying everything you find.
But sciatica can have different underlying causes, and the same movement may feel helpful to one person and aggravating to another.
Movement is important, but it should fit the individual condition.
If a particular stretch repeatedly increases pain, tingling, numbness, or symptoms traveling farther down the leg, don't assume you need to push harder.
An evaluation can help determine what types of movement may be appropriate for you.
Can I Exercise With Sciatica?
Having sciatica doesn't necessarily mean you need to stop all physical activity.
But what you should modify depends on your symptoms and underlying condition.
Walking, strength training, golfing, hiking, working out, and other activities place different demands on the spine and lower extremities.
Dr. Stojanovich can consider your activity goals when evaluating your condition and discussing appropriate modifications.
The goal isn't simply to get you through an appointment.
It's to help you make informed decisions about returning to the activities that matter to you.
When Sciatica Symptoms Need Urgent Medical Attention
Certain symptoms associated with lower-back and leg pain require prompt medical evaluation.
Seek urgent or emergency medical attention if symptoms include:
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New loss of bladder or bowel control
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Numbness around the groin, inner thighs, or saddle area
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Severe or rapidly progressing leg weakness
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Significant difficulty walking or coordinating movement
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Severe symptoms following major trauma
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Sudden or significant neurological changes
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Other severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
These symptoms shouldn't be treated as routine sciatica or something to simply “wait out.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica
How Do I Know if I Have Sciatica?
Sciatica commonly involves pain, tingling, numbness, burning, or other symptoms extending from the lower back or buttock into the leg. Similar symptoms can have other causes, so an examination is important.
Where Does Sciatica Pain Usually Travel?
Sciatic symptoms may extend through the buttock and into the thigh, lower leg, or foot depending on which nerve structures are involved.
Does Sciatica Always Cause Back Pain?
No. Some people experience significant leg symptoms with relatively little lower-back discomfort.
Is Sciatica a Pinched Nerve?
Sciatica can result from irritation or compression of a nerve root contributing to the sciatic nerve, but “pinched nerve” is a broader term and doesn't describe every cause of sciatica.
Can a Herniated Disc Cause Sciatica?
Yes. A lumbar disc herniation is one possible cause of sciatica when it affects a nearby nerve root. It isn't the only possible cause.
Can a Chiropractor Help With Sciatica?
Chiropractic care may be appropriate for certain patients with sciatica. An evaluation is needed to determine what's contributing to the symptoms and whether chiropractic treatment is suitable.
Can Chiropractic Unpinch the Sciatic Nerve?
That's an oversimplification. Sciatica can have different causes, and chiropractic care doesn't simply “unpinch” every nerve. Treatment should be based on the underlying condition and examination findings.
Can Traction Help Sciatica?
Mechanical traction may be considered for certain patients and spinal conditions associated with sciatic symptoms, but it isn't appropriate for everyone.
Should I Stretch My Sciatic Nerve?
There isn't one universal sciatica stretch. Certain movements may help some people and aggravate others depending on the underlying condition. Increasing neurological symptoms shouldn't simply be pushed through.
Is Walking Good for Sciatica?
Walking may be comfortable and appropriate for some people with sciatica and uncomfortable for others. Activity recommendations should consider your symptoms and underlying condition.
Do I Need an MRI for Sciatica?
Not necessarily. Imaging decisions depend on your symptoms, history, neurological findings, examination, progression, and other clinical considerations.
When Should I Worry About Sciatica?
Progressive weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, saddle-area numbness, significant difficulty walking, or other severe or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms require prompt medical attention.
Looking for Sciatica Treatment in Walnut Creek, California?
If pain, tingling, numbness, or burning is traveling from your lower back or buttock into your leg, you don't have to diagnose the cause yourself.
And you don't have to assume that sciatica automatically means a herniated disc—or that one treatment is right for everyone.
Start by finding out what's contributing to your symptoms.
With more than 27 years in practice, Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. evaluates lower-back, spinal, musculoskeletal, and appropriate nerve-related concerns for patients in Walnut Creek and surrounding Contra Costa County and East Bay communities.
Contact Stojanovich Chiropractic to schedule an evaluation and determine the appropriate next step for your sciatic symptoms.
