Sciatica Pain? Here’s What It Really Is and How San Diego Chiropractic Care Can Help

If you've ever felt a sharp, shooting pain down your leg or a persistent ache in your glutes or hamstring, you may have wondered: Is this sciatica? You're not alone. At Team Elite Chiropractic, we hear this question all the time, and it’s one of the most misunderstood conditions we treat. The term “sciatica” gets thrown around a lot, but true sciatica is actually a symptom, not a diagnosis.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. It originates in the lower lumbar spine, travels through the glutes and hamstrings, and runs all the way down to your toes. When the nerve is compressed or inflamed, it can cause:

• Radiating pain down the back of the leg
• Numbness or tingling in the foot or calf
• Muscle weakness (e.g., trouble pushing off while walking)
• Pain worsened by sitting, bending, coughing, or sneezing

True sciatica typically involves pain that travels past the knee. If symptoms stop in the glute or upper hamstring, it could be something else, still painful and worth treating, but not classic sciatica.

Common Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica doesn’t just show up on its own, it’s usually the result of another underlying condition. Some of the most common causes include:

• Disc Herniation or Bulge: When a spinal disc pushes out of place and compresses the nearby nerves, it can trigger sciatica symptoms.
• Spinal Stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the nerve roots. Often age-related and progressive.
• Piriformis Syndrome: A lesser-known condition where the piriformis muscle (located deep in the glute) compresses the sciatic nerve. In about a third of people, the nerve even runs through the muscle itself.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: Wear-and-tear changes in the spine can irritate the sciatic nerve over time.

One-Sided or Both Legs?

Sciatica typically affects one leg, but in rare cases, it can impact both. If symptoms are bilateral, we dig deeper to rule out more serious causes (e.g., central disc herniation, spinal tumors). We always screen for red flags like:

• Bowel or bladder incontinence
• Numbness around the groin (saddle anesthesia)
• Sudden, unexplained leg weakness

If any of these are present, it’s an emergency referral, no questions asked.

How We Diagnose Sciatica at Team Elite Chiropractic

Most patients walk in saying their leg hurts, not their back. That’s where our comprehensive movement screen comes in. We manually assess the lumbar spine, glutes, and sciatic pathway to pinpoint the source.

Even if you don’t feel low back pain, the root issue often stems from the spine or piriformis. Getting the diagnosis right is key to getting the treatment right.

Our Chiropractic Approach to Sciatica Relief

No two cases are exactly the same, but our treatment for sciatica follows a consistent structure that addresses both pain relief and long-term stability.

Phase 1: Pain Reduction

• Laser Therapy – Reduces nerve inflammation and calms sharp, radiating pain
• Soft Tissue Work (ART, cupping, etc.) – Releases tight muscles in the glutes, hamstrings, and lumbar region
• Myofascial Release – Especially helpful if the piriformis muscle is the culprit

Phase 2: Restoring Mobility and Function

• Corrective Exercises – Build core stability and glute activation
• Hip Mobility Drills – Loosen the pelvis and lumbar region
• Nerve Flossing/Glides – Specific movements that help the sciatic nerve glide without getting irritated
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Phase 3: Strengthening and Maintenance

• Reintroduce daily movements or exercise safely
• Build strength in weak or underused areas
• Gradually return to sport, work, or gym activity
• Monitor and adjust based on how the body responds

How Long Does Recovery Take?

We usually recommend an 8–12 visit plan, depending on the severity of symptoms and how long they’ve been present. In most cases:

• First 2–3 weeks: 2x/week for pain control and mobility
• Weeks 4–6: 1x/week with progressive exercises
• Weeks 6–12: Transition to maintenance or graduate to full return to activity

Improvement doesn’t always mean the pain vanishes overnight, but we look for centralization (i.e., pain moving up the leg toward the back), which signals healing.

Long-Term Maintenance for Sciatica

Once you're out of pain, staying pain-free requires consistency. We like to say the exercises we prescribe are “forever exercises.” Not because you’re injured forever, but because these are good for your spine, hips, and nervous system, always.

Think of them like brushing your teeth. You don’t stop once your cavity heals, right?

In addition to a home exercise routine, we recommend a monthly chiropractic tune-up. This keeps us dialed into your movement, corrects imbalances before they become problems, and keeps you accountable.

At Team Elite Chiropractic in Downtown San Diego, Scripps Ranch, and La Jolla,  we combine expert assessment, hands-on care, and personalized rehab to get you moving, and keep you that way.

Book an appointment with Team Elite Chiropractic today.