Sciatica (Nerve Pain) Treatment

Sciatica (Nerve Pain) Treatment Starts Here

Sciatica is a common type of nerve pain that typically starts in the low back or buttock and can radiate down the leg. It may feel sharp, burning, or electric—and can include numbness or tingling. At Mountain View Pain Center, we help identify what’s irritating the nerve and build a plan to reduce symptoms, restore movement, and support long-term relief.

Sciatica pain in lower back on both sides

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Common Symptoms of Sciatica (Nerve Pain)

  • Radiating pain from the low back or buttock into the thigh, calf, or foot

  • Burning, electric, or shooting pain down the leg

  • Numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles”

  • Symptoms that worsen with sitting, driving, bending, or lifting

  • Pain that improves with certain positions or short walks

  • Leg weakness or heaviness

  • Foot or ankle weakness

  • Symptoms that flare with coughing, sneezing, or straining

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Disc irritation or herniation affecting a lumbar nerve root

  • Spinal stenosis (narrowing that can irritate nerves)

  • Piriformis-related nerve irritation

  • Joint irritation in the low back, hips, or SI joint contributing to nerve sensitivity

  • Prolonged sitting and poor posture

  • Reduced core/hip strength and stability

  • Sudden increase in lifting, twisting, or activity load

  • Previous injury or recurring back flare-ups

When to Seek Urgent Care
Seek urgent evaluation if you have new or worsening leg weakness, foot drop, loss of bowel or bladder control, saddle numbness, severe unrelenting pain after trauma, fever/chills, or rapidly worsening numbness/tingling.

How We Evaluate Sciatica (Nerve Pain)

We start by identifying your symptom pattern, what triggers it, and where the nerve may be irritated. Your visit may include movement testing, assessment of the low back, hips, and surrounding muscles, and a basic neurologic screen (strength, sensation, reflexes) when symptoms include numbness, tingling, or weakness. We also check for red flags to determine whether imaging or referral is appropriate.

How We Treat Sciatica (Nerve Pain)

At Mountain View Pain Center, our multidisciplinary team combines evidence-based care to calm nerve irritation and improve function:

Pain Management

Targeted diagnostic injections and image-guided procedures when appropriate to reduce inflammation and calm irritated nerves.

Physical Therapy

Movement-based care to improve mobility, reduce nerve irritation, and rebuild core/hip stability to prevent recurrence.

Chiropractic Care

Hands-on care to support joint mobility and reduce muscle tension, tailored to your symptoms and comfort.

Acupuncture

A natural option to support pain relief and relaxation, often combined with your broader plan

Treatments We Commonly Recommend

  • Graded mobility and strengthening plan

  • Core and hip stability to reduce stress on the spine

  • Nerve mobility work when appropriate

  • Manual therapy to reduce stiffness and muscle tension

  • Ergonomic coaching (sitting, lifting, sleep setup)

  • Image-guided injections (when appropriate)

  • Home program to reduce flare-ups and build consistency

Home Care & Quick Relief

  • Stay gently active (short walks, light movement) and avoid prolonged rest

  • Ice for 10–15 minutes at a time, especially during flare-ups

  • Avoid heavy lifting/twisting until symptoms calm

  • Take movement breaks if sitting worsens symptoms

  • Supportive sleep positioning (pillow under knees for back sleepers; pillow between knees for side sleepers)

Sciatica (Nerve Pain) FAQs

  • Not always. A herniated disc is one common cause of sciatica, but stenosis, muscle-related irritation, and other issues can also trigger nerve pain.

  • Nerve pain often feels burning, electric, or radiating and may include numbness or tingling. We evaluate your symptom pattern and function to clarify the cause.

  • Most people do better with gentle movement rather than prolonged rest. We’ll guide your progression based on symptoms.

  • Not always. If symptoms or exam findings suggest imaging would help guide care, we’ll recommend the appropriate next step.

  • Many patients benefit from coordinated care—often combining PT, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and, when appropriate, pain management procedures.

  • Timelines vary based on the cause and severity. Our goal is to reduce pain and restore function while helping prevent repeat flare-ups.

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