Sciatica refers to nerve pain symptoms that you may feel along the sciatic nerve path. The sciatica symptoms may vary and range from infrequent and irritating to chronic and weakening.  

Sciatica is pretty common, and about 40 percent of people experience this lower back pain at some stage of their lives. 

You may experience sciatica pain in the hips, lower back, thighs, back of the knees and legs, and foot. The pain may vary from burning and excruciating pain to sharp and electric shock. More often, accompanied by numbness and weakness. 

Typically, pain is restricted to one side of your body. It can be aggravated by sudden stressful movements like coughing or sneezing. In addition, prolonged sitting can also make the symptoms worse.

The nerve roots at the origin of the sciatica nerve, when entrapped, give rise to the sciatica pain symptoms. The common cause of sciatica is herniated disk, spinal bone spur, or spinal stenosis. 

Although sciatica pain can be severe, you can get rid of it with self-care treatment. However, it can sometimes lead to a more chronic form, which over time can cause severe damage to the sciatic nerve. Such conditions can lead to surgery.  

Sciatic Nerve

The sciatic nerve, which happens to be the longest and thickest nerve in your body, has five nerve roots. Two of these nerve roots (L4, L5) are located in the lower back (lumbar spine), while the rest (S1, S2, S3) are in the scarumㅡwhere spine ends. When these nerve roots are combined, they form the left and the right sciatic nerve running down on each side of your body.  

Common Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica: Causes & Relief

Sciatica results from nerve irritation, inflammation, or damage, which is why neurological symptoms often accompany the pain.

However, it’s important to note that you may easily confuse sciatica with other conditions, such as piriformis syndrome, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or general lower-back strain, as many of these issues can produce similar symptoms.

A few common symptoms of sciatica are:

  • Lower Back Pain
  • Hip pain
  • Deep pain in the buttock or back of the leg that is aggravated by sitting 
  • Burning or tingling sensation down in the leg 
  • Weakness, loss of feeling, or unable to move the leg or foot
  • A constant pain that is restricted to the one side of the back
  • A shooting pain that makes it hard to sit, stand, sleep, or walk

Typically, sciatica symptoms are confined to only one side of the body. The pain sensation is sharp or searing compared to achy or throbbing. More often, pain sensation extends from your lower back through the back of the thigh to the leg.  

Depending upon which nerve roots (L4-S1) are affected, symptoms are generally felt across different leg and foot areas. Similarly, pain severity may also vary: for some, the pain can be crippling and severe, while for others, it is infrequent and irritating. 

Look for your symptoms, seek immediate medical attention if you have:

  • Severe pain
  • Swelling or redness in your low spine
  • Numbness or weakness in the thighs, legs, pelvis, or foot
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control 

Sciatica vs. Piriformis Syndrome: Why Proper Diagnosis Matters

It is also important to note that sciatica can feel very similar to piriformis syndrome, because both conditions affect the sciatic nerve. In piriformis syndrome, the piriformis muscle — located deep in the buttock — becomes tight or irritated and compresses the sciatic nerve as it passes underneath. This can mimic true sciatica symptoms, causing buttock pain, hip pain, and radiating leg discomfort.

Because the symptoms overlap, many people mistakenly assume they have sciatica when the pain is actually muscular in origin.

This is why proper diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider. Accurate assessment helps determine whether the pain is coming from a spinal nerve root or from the piriformis muscle, ensuring you receive the right treatment and avoid prolonged discomfort.

What are Sciatica Symptoms in Hips?

Sciatica is more than just occasional back or hip pain — it is a sign that your sciatic nerve is irritated, compressed, or inflamed. When these symptoms are ignored, the underlying issue can gradually worsen, leading to more severe nerve involvement.

Persistent sciatic nerve compression may result in:

  • Increasing pain intensity over time
  • Reduced mobility due to stiff or weakened muscles
  • Greater nerve irritation, causing more widespread symptoms
  • Functional limitations, such as difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or sitting comfortably

If the nerve remains compressed for too long, it can eventually lead to permanent nerve damage, muscle weakness, or even conditions like foot drop, all of which may require more invasive treatments — including surgery.

Early evaluation and treatment not only help relieve pain but also prevent long-term complications. Listening to your body and acting promptly can significantly improve your sciatica prognosis.

Is It Possible to Have Sciatica Pain in Both Legs?

Though sciatica affects one leg, sciatica may occur in both legs. This condition is known as bilateral sciatica, which may occur due to degenerative disc disease or cauda equina syndrome.

What is the Cause of Foot Drop?

Foot drop is characterized by weakness in the foot, making it hard even to walk. The contributing factor to this condition is severe damage to the sciatic nerve. 

What are Sciatica Causes and Risk Factors?

The common cause of sciatica is a herniated disk that presses against the sciatic nerve root. In addition, degenerative disc disease can also contribute to nerve irritation through the secretion of inflammatory proteins. 

It can also occur when a disk degenerates, releasing proteins that irritate the adjacent nerve. There are additional causes of sciatica, including:

  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Spondylolisthesis 
  • Pregnancy
  • Muscle Spasm

Other factors that make you susceptible to have sciatica may include:

  • Diabetes
  • Aging 
  • Obesity
  • Wearing High Heels
  • Smoking
  • Sleeping with the wrong posture
  • Lack of Regular Exercises and Stretches
  • Prolong Hour of Seating

Sciatica Diagnosis and Treatment

Your healthcare provider will examine your reflexes and muscle strength to confirm sciatica. They may ask you to do certain activities or tests to determine the cause of your pain. 

For discogenic causes, your provider might order imaging tests. These tests include:

  • X-ray
  • CT Scan
  • MRI
  • Electromyography (EMG)

Sciatica Treatment

Your doctor may formulate the treatment plan depending on the cause. The self-care treatments are enough to get rid of sciatica in many cases. These conservative treatments can reduce the pain and increase mobility and are as follows:

  • Ice and Heat Packs: Ice and heat packs can give immediate pain relief for sciatica. Apply ice for 20 minutes to reduce the pain and inflammation, then switch to heat therapy after 2-3 days.  The heat helps heal by providing necessary nutrients and oxygen to the affected area.
  • Over-the-Counter Medicines: These medicines help to reduce inflammation and swelling. The common over-the-counter medications for sciatica pain relief are aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. 
  • Exercises and Stretches: Your chiropractor may suggest some low-impact exercises and gentle stretches. However, be watchful if you do specific high-impact exercises, making the sciatica symptoms worse. 

Every person has a different experience with sciatica. The intensity and cause of the pain may vary from person to person. In some patients, invasive treatment may have opted first.

However, if conservative treatments and pain symptoms don’t subside after six weeks of self-care, then it’s time to opt for other treatment options with the consultation of your healthcare provider. These additional treatment choices are:

  • Prescription Medications
  • Physical Therapy 
  • Spinal Injections
  • Alternative Therapies (Acupuncture and Chiropractor for Sciatica)
  • Surgery

Is Walking Good for Sciatica? Benefits, Tips, and Precautions

Walking is generally beneficial for sciatica, as gentle movement helps improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and prevent stiffness in the lower back and hips. It also encourages healthy spinal mobility and activates the core and glute muscles, which support the spine and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.

However, it’s important to walk correctly. Keep your posture upright, take steady steps, and avoid overstriding. Begin with short walks and gradually increase your distance as your symptoms improve. If you notice sharp or worsening pain, slow down, shorten your stride, or stop and rest.

While walking is helpful for many people, it’s not a cure-all. If your pain intensifies, becomes persistent, or is accompanied by numbness or weakness, seek professional advice to ensure you’re not aggravating the underlying cause.

How Flynn Chiro Can Help

At Flynn Chiro, we understand how disruptive sciatica can be. Our aim is to ease your pain, improve your mobility, and address the root cause of your symptoms so you can return to everyday activities with confidence.

We begin with a careful assessment to determine whether your pain is due to true sciatica, piriformis syndrome, or another musculoskeletal issue. Because these conditions can feel very similar, an accurate diagnosis is essential.

Your chiropractor may use a combination of gentle spinal adjustments, soft-tissue techniques, and personalised exercise guidance to relieve pressure on the nerve, reduce muscle tension, and support long-term recovery.

We also provide advice on posture, daily habits, and simple lifestyle changes to help prevent future flare-ups.

With the right treatment and clear guidance, most people experience significant improvement — and we’re here to support you every step of the way.