Sciatica can cause pain that travels from the lower back or buttock into the hip, thigh, or leg. Some people describe it as aching, burning, shooting pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
At Achieve Health Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Champlin, MN, we evaluate the possible causes of sciatic-type pain and create an individualized treatment plan designed to reduce irritation, improve mobility, and help you return to normal activity.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a term commonly used to describe pain or other symptoms that follow the path of the sciatic nerve.
The sciatic nerve begins in the lower back and travels through the buttock and down the leg.
Sciatica symptoms may be caused by irritation or compression involving the lower back, pelvis, muscles, joints, or surrounding tissues.
Common Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica can feel different from person to person.
Common symptoms may include:
- Lower back pain
- Buttock pain
- Pain traveling down the leg
- Burning or shooting pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Leg weakness
- Hip pain
- Pain that worsens with sitting
- Pain with bending or lifting
- Tightness in the gluteal or hip muscles
Symptoms may affect one side or, less commonly, both sides.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatic-type pain may be associated with several different conditions.
Possible causes include:
- Lumbar disc irritation or disc herniation
- Joint restriction in the lower back or pelvis
- Degenerative changes in the spine
- Muscle tightness or spasm
- Piriformis-related irritation
- Poor movement mechanics
- Prolonged sitting
- Repetitive lifting or bending
- Previous lower back injuries
Because several different problems can produce similar symptoms, an evaluation is important before deciding on treatment.
How We Treat Sciatica
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms, your examination findings, and how severe the irritation is.
Your care may include a combination of the following:
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments may be used to improve joint mobility in the lower back and pelvis and reduce mechanical stress on irritated tissues.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Tight muscles in the lower back, hips, glutes, and pelvis may contribute to sciatic-type symptoms.
Soft tissue treatment may help reduce muscle tension and improve movement.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may be used to help manage pain, muscle tension, and irritation associated with sciatica.
REACT Magnetic Therapy
Our office also offers REACT magnetic neuromuscular therapy, which may be used to address muscle spasm, pain, and neuromuscular dysfunction.
Therapeutic Exercise
Specific exercises and stretches may be recommended to improve mobility, strength, core stability, hip function, and movement patterns.
Is Sciatica Always Caused by a Disc Problem?
No.
A disc problem is one possible cause, but sciatic-type pain can also come from irritated joints, tight muscles, pelvic dysfunction, or other structures in the lower back and hip region.
That is why treatment should be based on the findings of your examination rather than the symptom name alone.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
Most cases of sciatica are not medical emergencies, but certain symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop:
- Significant or rapidly worsening leg weakness
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Numbness in the groin or saddle area
- Severe pain following a major injury
- Fever associated with severe back pain
- Unexplained weight loss with persistent back pain
These symptoms may indicate a condition that requires immediate medical care.
Sciatica Treatment Near Champlin, Maple Grove and Brooklyn Park
Achieve Health Chiropractic and Acupuncture is located in Champlin, Minnesota, and serves patients from Champlin and surrounding communities including Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Dayton, Anoka, Coon Rapids, and the northwest Twin Cities metro area.
If you are experiencing pain that travels from your lower back or buttock into your leg, an evaluation can help determine what may be causing the problem and which treatment options may be appropriate.
Schedule a Sciatica Evaluation
Achieve Health Chiropractic and Acupuncture
11650 Winnetka Ave North
Champlin, MN 55316
Call: 763-323-3456
Contact our office to schedule an evaluation for sciatica, lower back pain, hip pain, or pain traveling into the leg.
