Sciatica refers to pain, irritation, or nerve symptoms that travel along the sciatic nerve pathway. This often starts in the low back or buttock and may radiate into the hip, back of the thigh, calf, or foot. Symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to sharp, shooting pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or difficulty sitting, walking, bending, or exercising.

​At Lock Chiropractic, we provide personalized chiropractic care for patients experiencing sciatica and radiating leg pain. Our approach focuses on identifying the likely source of nerve irritation, improving spinal and hip mobility, reducing muscle tension, and helping restore better movement and function.

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Common Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica can be caused by different conditions affecting the low back, pelvis, or surrounding soft tissues.

Common causes include:

• Lumbar disc protrusions or herniated discs

• Degenerative disc changes

• Lumbar joint dysfunction

• Piriformis syndrome or deep glute muscle irritation

• Poor posture or prolonged sitting

• Sports or gym-related injuries

• Repetitive bending, lifting, or twisting

• Pregnancy-related pelvic and low back stress

• Arthritic or degenerative spinal changes

• Spinal stenosis or nerve compression

Symptoms We Commonly See

Patients with sciatica may experience:

• Low back pain with radiating leg pain

• Pain into the buttock, hip, thigh, calf, or foot

• Numbness or tingling down the leg

• Burning, sharp, or electric-like pain

• Pain worse with sitting, bending, coughing, or sneezing

• Tightness in the low back, hamstring, or glute area

• Difficulty walking, exercising, or standing for long periods

• Leg weakness or reduced mobility

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When to Seek Care

Sciatica should be evaluated if symptoms are persistent, worsening, recurring, or interfering with daily life. Early care may help reduce compensation patterns and prevent symptoms from becoming more chronic.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience loss of bowel or bladder control, progressive leg weakness, numbness in the groin or saddle region, fever, unexplained weight loss, or severe pain following trauma.​