One minute you’re fine; the next, a sharp, electric pain shoots from your lower back straight down your leg, and you’re frozen in place. It may have started when you bent down to pick something up, or it crept in gradually over weeks. Either way, sciatica has a way of stopping you in your tracks.
If you’ve experienced radiating pain, numbness, or tingling that travels from your lower back down through your leg, you’re part of the estimated 40% of people who will deal with this issue at some point in their lives. It can be a brief annoyance or become a persistent problem that affects work, sleep, and daily activities.
Where the Real Problem Begins
Most people think sciatica is a leg problem because that’s where they feel the pain, but the actual issue often starts in your lower back. The sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in your body, branches from your lower spine and runs down each leg. When a bulging disc, bone spur, or misaligned vertebra puts pressure on that nerve, the pain can radiate all the way down to your foot.
Years of poor posture, weak core muscles, excess weight, or repetitive strain can set the stage. Then one day, something as simple as tying your shoes triggers an episode.
A Better Way Forward
“Chiropractic care isn’t about curing conditions directly, but rather supporting the body’s natural healing process by reducing nerve interference,” explains Dr. Ron Ploucha.
While medication may provide short-term relief, chiropractic care focuses on correcting the underlying spinal issues that contribute to sciatic pain. By restoring proper motion to the joints in your lower back through gentle adjustments, we can often reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve, giving your body the chance to heal naturally. Many patients in Southside Pittsburgh find that consistent care helps them avoid surgery altogether.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
You don’t have to learn to live with sciatica when help is available. Our team at Ploucha Chiropractic Center is here to honestly evaluate your condition and guide you toward the best path—whether that’s through our care or another trusted professional. Give us a call today to get started!