“Sciatica” is one of the most searched pain terms in the country, and for good reason. The pain can be sharp, electric and hard to ignore, and it often shows up after something ordinary: lifting a box, a long drive down the Parkway, or simply bending to tie a shoe.
What sciatica is (and isn’t)
Sciatica isn’t a diagnosis on its own. It’s a description of symptoms: pain, tingling or numbness that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, typically from the buttock down the back of the thigh, sometimes into the calf and foot. It usually affects one side.
Common causes include:
- A herniated or bulging disc pressing on a nerve root (read our herniated disc guide)
- Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spaces where nerves travel, more common with age
- Spondylolisthesis, when one vertebra slips forward on another
- Muscle tightness in the buttock (sometimes called piriformis syndrome) that can mimic nerve pain
How long does sciatica last?
For many people, sciatica from a disc problem improves over a few weeks with conservative care. Some people have symptoms that linger for months or come and go. The cause, your general health and how quickly you start the right treatment all play a role.
When to see a doctor (non-emergency)
- Pain that isn’t improving after about a week of self-care
- Pain that keeps you from sleeping, working or driving
- Numbness or tingling that’s spreading
- Sciatica that keeps coming back
- Symptoms that started after a car accident, fall or work injury
Treatment options, from least to most invasive
Active care
Staying as active as you can tolerate is usually better than bed rest. Physical therapy focuses on movements that centralize or relieve nerve pain, core strength and safe lifting. Chiropractic care can help restore spinal and hip mobility.
Pain management
If pain blocks progress, a pain management physician may discuss medications or image-guided procedures such as epidural steroid injections. Our injection guide explains what to expect.
Surgery
Surgery is considered when there’s significant or progressive weakness, cauda equina symptoms, or pain that persists despite a good trial of conservative care. Options include minimally invasive lumbar discectomy. A spine surgeon will walk you through risks and benefits for your case.
Simple things that help at home
- Short, frequent walks instead of long periods of sitting
- Get up every 30 to 45 minutes when you’re at a desk or on a long commute
- Heat or ice, whichever feels better
- Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees, or on your back with a pillow under your knees
Questions New Jersey patients ask
Is walking good for sciatica?
For most people, yes. Gentle walking keeps the spine moving and reduces stiffness. Stop and get evaluated if walking makes leg symptoms spread or causes weakness.
Can a chiropractor help sciatica?
Chiropractic care is one conservative option for some causes of sciatica. A good evaluation first rules out red flags and identifies the source of the nerve irritation.
Will I need an MRI?
Not always. MRI is usually reserved for red-flag symptoms, significant weakness, or pain that hasn’t improved with several weeks of care, or when surgery or injections are being considered.
Our physicians, physical therapists and chiropractors treat sciatica at 10 New Jersey offices. Call (855) 425-1900 or request an appointment online.
This article is general education, not medical, legal or insurance advice. Every injury and every policy is different. If you have severe or worsening symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
