Sciatica Treatment

Sciatica is pain that travels along the sciatic nerve — from the lower back through the buttock and down the back of the leg, sometimes into the foot. It usually affects one side, and it can range from a dull ache to an electric, burning pain that makes sitting, standing, or sleeping miserable.


What causes it

Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The most common cause is a herniated or bulging disc pressing on a nerve root in the lower spine. Other causes include spinal stenosis (narrowing of the nerve passages, more common after 50), degenerative disc changes, spondylolisthesis (a slipped vertebra), and piriformis syndrome, where a deep buttock muscle irritates the nerve. Which one you have changes the treatment — which is why an accurate diagnosis comes first.

Symptoms

Pain radiating from the low back or buttock down one leg; numbness or tingling in the leg or foot; weakness in the leg; pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing. See a doctor promptly if you have leg weakness that's getting worse, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or loss of bladder or bowel control — the last two are emergencies.

How we treat sciatica

The good news: most sciatica improves without surgery, and our whole model is built to get you there.

  • Diagnosis first. A pain management physician or clinician examines you, tests nerve function, and orders an MRI when the exam warrants it.

  • Physical therapy — the backbone of treatment: directional-preference exercises, nerve glides, and progressive core and hip strengthening.

  • Chiropractic care for the mechanical low-back dysfunction that often accompanies nerve irritation.

  • Acupuncture for pain control and muscle guarding while rehab progresses.

  • Interventional options when needed: if pain is too severe to rehab through, an epidural steroid injection can calm the inflamed nerve root enough to make the rest of the plan workable.

Because all of this happens under one roof, escalating or de-escalating treatment takes days, not months of new-patient waitlists.

FAQs

How long does sciatica take to heal?

Many cases improve substantially in 4–6 weeks with active treatment; disc-related sciatica can take longer. Getting evaluated early shortens the arc.

Will I need surgery?

Most patients don't. Surgery is typically reserved for progressive weakness or pain that fails months of well-executed conservative care.


Is walking good for sciatica?

Usually yes — staying active generally beats bed rest. Your therapist will tell you which movements to push and which to avoid for your specific cause.



Call 720-749-5599 (CO) / 602-325-2024 (AZ) or find your nearest clinic. Same-week appointments usually available.