Sciatica
Shooting leg pain, numbness, or tingling — we trace it to the source in your spine and relieve the pressure on the nerve.
Sciatica is not a diagnosis on its own — it is a symptom of something irritating the sciatic nerve, usually in the lower back. The burning, shooting, or numbing pain that travels down your leg is the nerve telling you it is under pressure.
Where sciatica really comes from
The irritation usually starts in the spine — often a disc issue or a restricted joint linked to your back pain. Because the pain is felt in the leg, the real source is easy to miss, which is why a careful evaluation matters.
Relief without surgery
Most sciatica responds well to conservative care that relieves pressure at the source. Our corrective care restores motion to the involved segment and rebuilds support, helping the nerve calm without injections or surgery.
Herniated disc vs. sciatica
They are related but not the same. Sciatica describes the symptom — pain traveling along the sciatic nerve — while a herniated disc is one common cause of it. Identifying whether a disc, a joint, or muscular tension is compressing the nerve is what lets us target the real source rather than chase the leg pain.
Can sciatica become permanent?
Most sciatica resolves with appropriate care, but nerve compression left unaddressed for a long time can lead to lasting weakness or numbness. That is why persistent or worsening symptoms — especially any loss of strength — should be evaluated promptly rather than waited out.
What it feels like — and why it happens.
Common symptoms
- Shooting pain down one leg
- Burning or electric sensations
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the affected leg
- Pain that worsens when sitting
- Difficulty finding a comfortable position
Common causes
- Disc bulge or herniation
- Joint restriction in the lumbar spine
- Piriformis muscle tightness
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing)
- Prolonged sitting and poor posture
- Sudden lifting or twisting injuries
Who’s at risk — and when to get checked.
Risk factors
- Prolonged sitting and sedentary work
- Heavy or repetitive lifting
- Disc degeneration or prior disc injury
- Poor core strength and posture
- Excess body weight
- Pregnancy-related pelvic changes
When to seek care
- Leg pain lasting more than a week
- Pain that worsens or spreads down the leg
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the leg, foot, or toes
- Symptoms after an injury or fall
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (seek urgent care)
From problem to outcome.
A clear, four-part path — so you always understand what’s happening and what comes next.
The Problem
The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back through the hips and down each leg. When a disc, joint, or tight muscle compresses or irritates it, pain radiates along that path — often felt more in the leg than the back itself.
How We Evaluate
We use neurological and orthopedic testing to confirm the nerve is involved and locate where the irritation originates. Scans help us distinguish a disc-related cause from a joint or muscular one, which changes the plan.
How We Treat It
Care focuses on relieving the pressure at the source: restoring motion to the involved segment, reducing inflammation around the nerve, and releasing muscles like the piriformis that can entrap it. Movement is reintroduced carefully.
Expected Outcome
Most patients see the leg symptoms recede as the nerve calms — often without injections or surgery. Corrective care then reduces the chance of recurrence.
Conservative care vs. injections & surgery
What progress looks like.
Every body is different, but here’s the general arc of care most patients follow.
Calm
2–6 weeks reducing nerve irritation and leg symptoms.
Correct
Restore spinal motion and rebuild support.
Protect
Strategies to keep the nerve clear long term.
Questions about sciatica
It varies with the cause and how long it has been present. Many patients feel meaningful change within a few weeks of targeted care, with continued improvement as the nerve settles.
Most sciatica responds well to conservative, non-surgical care. We always start with the least invasive effective approach and refer out only if red-flag findings require it.
Gentle movement is usually helpful, while prolonged sitting tends to aggravate the nerve. We will give you specific guidance on activity as we treat the source.
In the acute phase we focus on reducing nerve irritation and avoiding aggravating positions. Targeted care plus the right movement typically settles a flare faster than rest alone.
Connected care, connected answers.
Understanding the full picture helps you make confident decisions about your health.
Keep learning at home.
Free guides from Dr. Drew related to sciatica — yours to download and keep.
Real stories from Forza patients.
Real Arlington Heights patients who came to Forza for relief — and found measurable, lasting results.
“I was visiting my son, daughter-in-law, and new grandson, coming from North Carolina, and ended up hobbling around with a cane most of the visit, probably with sciatica. Had had good luck with my chiropractor at home, so searched for someone in Arlington Heights. Forza came up and had good reviews so I gave them a call. They graciously worked me in for four sessions over a week. While not able to fully resolve the problem in that short time, I improved enough to be able to get my wife and me home. Dr. Drew did x-rays, went over them with me and did 4 adjustments. But his practice also included time on a massage table, equipment and time for stretches, and instructions for exercises at home, with his assistant, Noelia, as the instructor. This was a great experience for someone from out of town and in need of help. Thank you to everyone.”
Wayne SwoffordGoogle review · Apr 29, 2026
“Forza Chiropractic is amazing. The office is incredibly clean, welcoming, and so well organized, which I really appreciate. Everyone is super friendly and helpful, and I love that the routine stays consistent and you always know what to expect. I originally came in with sciatica pain, and it has completely resolved. The convenience is another huge plus because their hours are great. I love being able to stop in on my way home from work, but they also have early morning appointments before work. It’s truly a family-friendly practice, and I love how much they give back to the community. The ladies who help get us set up for treatments are always kind, helpful, and efficient. I’ve been to several chiropractors, and Forza stands out as state-of-the-art without being pushy. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for chiropractic care.”
Kristen FaviaGoogle review · Jan 20, 2026
“I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Drew and the entire team! From the moment I walked in, the environment was friendly, welcoming, and professional. They really took the time to understand my issue—taking X-rays, thoroughly explaining what was going on, and prescribing a treatment plan that made sense. Full disclosure: I had been to three other chiropractors for the same issue (sciatica) and never found relief… until now. I’m happy to report that the treatment worked! Thank you, Dr. Drew and staff, for your outstanding care!”
Facebook review · Sep 03, 2025
“I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Drew and the entire team! From the moment I walked in, the environment was friendly, welcoming, and professional. They really took the time to understand my issue—taking X-rays, thoroughly explaining what was going on, and prescribing a treatment plan that made sense. Full disclosure: I had been to three other chiropractors for the same issue (sciatica) and never found relief… until now. I’m happy to report that the treatment worked! Thank you, Dr. Drew and staff, for your outstanding care!”
Brian OlsonGoogle review · Sep 03, 2025
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