What causes sciatica?

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Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and down each leg. It is typically a symptom of an underlying issue rather than a standalone condition. Herniated or Bulging Discs: The soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the exterior, pressing on the nerve roots. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which puts pressure on the nerves. Piriformis Syndrome: A small muscle in the buttocks tightens or spasms, compressing the sciatic nerve. Spondylolisthesis: When one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, pinching the nerve. Daily Habits: Poor posture, prolonged sitting, or improper lifting techniques. The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in your body. When it becomes pinched, "mapped," or inflamed by a bone spur or a disc, it sends distress signals. Instead of feeling pain only at the site of the irritation in your lower back, you feel "referred pain" that can travel all the way to your calf or foot. This can feel like a sharp electric shock, a dull ache, or even numbness and tingling. Gentle Stretching: Low-impact movements like the "knee-to-chest" stretch can help relieve pressure. Cold/Heat Therapy: Apply ice packs for the first 48 hours to reduce inflammation, then switch to heating pads to relax muscles. Movement: Avoid bed rest; short walks help keep the spine mobile and promote blood flow to the affected area. A licensed chiropractor specializes in the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. To address sciatica, they perform a physical exam and movement assessment to find exactly where the nerve is being compressed. Through spinal adjustments, they help realign the vertebrae to reduce pressure on the discs and nerves. They may also use soft tissue work to relax tight muscles like the piriformis and provide a personalized plan to improve your posture and prevent the pain from returning. Don’t let sciatic pain limit your mobility. At The Joint Chiropractic, we make it easy to get the care you need with our $29 New Patient Special, which includes your initial consultation, exam, and first adjustment. We require no insurance and no appointments—just walk in during our convenient evening or weekend hours. With 900+ unaffiliated clinics nationwide, professional relief is always nearby. Find your nearest Joint clinic → Educational information reviewed against chiropractic literature — not medical advice. ChiroIQ is powered by The Joint Chiropractic Rosemead.

What causes sciatica?

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