Quick answer: Sciatica is irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through each buttock and down each leg. Common causes are a herniated or bulging disc, spinal stenosis, inflamed or tight tissue around the nerve, and joint injuries. Gentle movement, ice and heat, and changing positions can ease it at home. At Forward Spine Center in Golden Valley, Dr. Timothy Klesk, DC and Dr. Madeline Klesk, DC care for sciatica without medication, injections or surgery, after an exam to find where the nerve is being irritated.
Sciatica can make it hard to move, sit, stand and even sleep. It is common in nearly everyone, from very active people to people who work at a desk all day. This article covers:
- What sciatica is
- What causes it
- Natural sciatica relief you can try now
- How sciatica is treated without medication in Golden Valley
- When to get medical care
What is sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It starts in the lower back and runs through each buttock and down each leg. It controls movement in the knee and lower-leg muscles and carries sensation from the back of the thigh, the lower leg and the sole of the foot. When soft tissue around the nerve becomes inflamed or injured, it can press on the nerve and change how you move.
Symptoms of sciatica include:
- Dull, sharp, intense or throbbing pain in the back, hips or legs
- Numbness, tingling or burning
- Weakness, including trouble pointing the foot downward
- Difficulty bending at the waist or walking
- Low back pain
Symptoms can start mildly and build over time, leading to other imbalances in the soft tissues, joints or spine, so it is worth getting checked early.
What causes sciatica?
Because we load the lower half of the body all day, even while sitting, almost anyone can get sciatica: athletes, weekend warriors and desk workers alike. Common causes include:
- Herniated or bulging disc: disc material presses on the nerve root as it leaves the spine. See herniated and bulging discs.
- Spinal stenosis: narrowing where the nerve exits the spine, more common after age 50. Its care differs from a disc herniation, so we tell them apart.
- Inflammation and tight tissues around the nerve
- Sprains, strains and joint injuries in the lower back and hips
- Arthritis and overuse
- Long periods of sitting, which load the discs and the nerve
Natural sciatica relief you can try at home
- Keep moving gently. Low-impact exercise and stretching encourage healing and strength.
- Massage the area to relax tight tissue and take pressure off.
- Use ice and heat to calm inflammation and support circulation.
- Change positions. Switch between sitting and standing so the irritated area can rest.
These tips can ease pain, but they often don't give lasting results on their own. A plan built on an exam addresses what is irritating the nerve instead of just the symptoms.
Sciatica care without medication in Golden Valley
At Forward Spine Center, care starts with a full history and a hands-on exam to find where the nerve is being irritated. Dr. Tim breaks spine pain into four structures that can cause symptoms: the joints, the discs, the nerve roots and the muscles. Depending on what we find, your plan may include:
- Flexion-extension adjustments: a gentle, movement-based adjustment that lengthens the spine and creates space between the vertebrae to take pressure off the nerve. Dr. Madeline shows it in this video post.
- Mechanical traction to decompress the spine
- Active Release Technique for tight muscles in the back, hips and legs
- Acupuncture with Dr. Madeline, which can be combined with an adjustment in the same visit
- Yoga-based stretching and strengthening, progressed as you improve
- Prenatal care for sciatica during pregnancy (see pregnancy chiropractic)
We use at least one in-office treatment plus take-home exercises, stretches and advice, so you can stay strong and active between visits. We see patients from Golden Valley, Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, New Hope, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Crystal and Wayzata. More on our sciatica care page.
When to get medical care
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you lose control of your bladder or bowels or have numbness in the groin or inner thighs. Get medical care promptly if leg weakness is getting worse, or if symptoms started after a major fall or accident. If your exam suggests you need imaging or a medical opinion, we will tell you.
Frequently asked questions
Can sciatica be treated without medication?
Often, yes. At Forward Spine Center in Golden Valley, sciatica care uses gentle flexion-extension adjustments, mechanical traction, soft-tissue release, acupuncture and take-home exercises, without medication, injections or surgery. Your plan depends on what your exam shows is irritating the nerve.
Is sciatica caused by a herniated disc?
Sometimes. A herniated or bulging disc in the lower back is a common cause, but spinal stenosis, tight or inflamed tissue, joint injuries and arthritis can cause similar symptoms. Telling them apart matters because the care is different.
Should I use ice or heat for sciatica?
Both can help. Ice can calm inflammation and heat can relax tight tissue and support circulation. Pair either with gentle movement and position changes.
Does insurance cover chiropractic care for sciatica?
Most health insurance plans cover chiropractic care, and Forward Spine Center is in network with most major plans. We also accept Medicare, most Medicaid plans, workers' compensation and personal injury claims, and HSA and FSA cards. No referral is needed to book.
Who treats sciatica without medication in the Twin Cities?
Dr. Timothy Klesk, DC and Dr. Madeline Klesk, DC at Forward Spine Center, 701 Decatur Ave N, Ste 102, Golden Valley, MN 55427, treat sciatica without medication, injections or surgery, serving Golden Valley, Minneapolis and the west metro. Book online or call 763-332-2680.
Keep reading
- Sciatica care in Golden Valley
- Herniated disc without surgery: chiropractor, PT or surgery?
- Low back pain care in Golden Valley
- Why disc pain is worse in the morning
Originally published May 3, 2023. Updated by Forward Spine Center, Golden Valley, MN. This article is educational and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation.
