Superior, WI · Serving the Twin Ports
Chiropractic · Condition
Sciatica
Sciatica is sharp, burning, or electric pain that radiates from your lower back down through the buttock and leg — caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.
What it is
Sciatica is sharp, burning, or electric pain that radiates from your lower back down through the buttock and leg — caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.
Common symptoms
- Sharp, shooting pain down one leg
- Burning or tingling in the calf or foot
- Numbness or weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain that worsens when sitting or standing too long
- Difficulty getting comfortable in bed
What's actually causing it
Sciatica is almost always a symptom of something deeper — a bulging or herniated disc, spinal stenosis, piriformis tightness, or pelvic misalignment pinching the sciatic nerve as it exits the spine.
What happens if you ignore it
Left untreated, sciatica rarely just 'goes away.' Persistent nerve compression can lead to lasting nerve damage, chronic weakness in the affected leg, loss of reflexes, and — in severe cases — bowel or bladder dysfunction. Most patients also develop compensatory hip, knee, and back problems from months of guarding the painful side. Early intervention is the single biggest predictor of full recovery.
What recovery looks like
Most patients see meaningful relief within the first few weeks of care. A combination of chiropractic adjustments, laser decompression, and corrective exercise typically resolves sciatica without injections or surgery.