What Is Sciatica? Symptoms, Causes, and How It Affects Your Daily Life

Sciatica is a condition that affects millions of people, often causing pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates down the leg. While it can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain, sciatica can significantly impact your daily life and mobility. At Gilroy Health and Wellness Center, we help patients find relief from sciatica through natural, non-invasive chiropractic care.
 

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that originates in the lower back and travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg. This pain typically occurs when the nerve is compressed or irritated, often due to underlying spinal issues.
 

Common Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica can feel different for everyone, but the most common symptoms include:

• Radiating leg pain: Pain that starts in the lower back or buttocks and travels down one leg.

• Numbness or tingling: A “pins and needles” sensation in the leg or foot.

• Muscle weakness: Difficulty moving or controlling the affected leg.

• Worsened pain when sitting or standing for long periods.

The pain may range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting discomfort that makes everyday tasks challenging.
 

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is most often caused by conditions that put pressure on the sciatic nerve, such as:

• Herniated or bulging discs in the spine.

• Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal.

• Bone spurs that press on the nerve.

• Poor posture or prolonged sitting that stresses the lower back.

• Muscle imbalances or injury.

Lifestyle factors like sedentary habits, heavy lifting, or lack of core strength can also increase the risk of developing sciatica.
 

How Sciatica Affects Daily Life

Living with sciatica can be frustrating and limiting. It often impacts:

• Mobility: Pain can make it difficult to walk, bend, or exercise.

• Sleep: Discomfort at night may disrupt rest.

• Work productivity: Sitting at a desk or standing for long hours becomes painful.

• Quality of life: Activities like driving, lifting children, or even simple chores may feel overwhelming.

Without proper treatment, sciatica can become chronic, making daily life a constant struggle.
 

How Our Treatment Approach To Care Can Help

Our approach to care is a safe and effective option for addressing the root causes of sciatica. At Gilroy Health and Wellness Center, we have over 12 alternative forms of treatment available to create a personalized approach to your care that may include:

• Non-surgical Disc Decompression

• Laser therapy

• Pressure Wave therapy

• Spinal adjustments to relieve nerve compression and improve alignment.

• Targeted therapies to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

• Corrective exercises to strengthen supporting muscles and prevent recurrence.

• Lifestyle recommendations to improve posture, ergonomics, and daily habits.

By focusing on restoring proper spinal health, and relieving the cause of nerve pressure and injury our care not only provides relief from sciatica symptoms but also supports long-term wellness.
 

Discover How Chiropractic Care Can Help You

Sciatica can be painful and disruptive, but it doesn’t have to control your life. With the right care, you can find relief and return to doing the activities you enjoy. Our treatment options offers a natural, drug-free solution to help you manage pain, restore function, and improve your overall quality of life.

Schedule a consultation with Gilroy Health and Wellness Center to find relief from sciatica. Visit our office in Gilroy, California, or call (669) 272-3394 to book an appointment today.