Sciatica

Sciatica pain can make sitting, standing, walking, and sleeping feel harder than they should. At Weinerman Pain and Wellness in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Brent Weinerman, DO, and the rest of the team provide comprehensive pain management for patients with sciatica. They’re experts in chiropractic, osteopathy, and physical therapy who address the root cause of your back pain. Call the Weinerman Pain and Wellness office today or book an appointment online to find lasting relief from sciatica symptoms.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica describes pain that travels along the sciatic nerve. This large nerve starts in the lower back, runs through the buttocks, and continues down the back of each leg.

Most people feel sciatica on one side of their body. The pain often starts in the lower back or buttocks and moves into the hip, thigh, calf, and foot. Some people have mild aching, while others feel sharp, burning, or electric-like pain.

What symptoms does sciatica cause?

Sciatica symptoms vary depending on where the nerve irritation occurs. Common symptoms include:

• Lower back pain
• Buttock or hip pain
• Pain that travels down one leg
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness
• Burning or shooting pain
• Pain that gets worse when sitting

Some people also notice trouble standing up straight, walking normally, or finding a comfortable sleeping position.

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica usually happens when something irritates or presses on the sciatic nerve. A herniated disc is one common cause. This happens when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes out and presses on nearby nerves.

Other causes include spinal arthritis, spinal stenosis, muscle tightness, poor posture, or inflammation around the lower spine and pelvis. Injuries, heavy lifting, long periods of sitting, and repeated strain also contribute to sciatica symptoms.

How does sciatica treatment work?

Sciatica treatment starts with a careful evaluation. The Weinerman Pain and Wellness team checks your posture, range of motion, muscle strength, and reflexes, as well as evaluating painful movements and signs of nerve irritation.

Treatment focuses on reducing nerve pressure, calming inflammation, improving movement, and supporting the body’s healing process. Many patients benefit from chiropractic care, osteopathic techniques, and physical therapy exercises that improve spinal alignment, flexibility, strength, and stability.

The team also looks at daily habits that place stress on the lower back. Small changes in posture, lifting technique, stretching, and activity often make a meaningful difference.

When should I seek care for sciatica?

You should seek care when sciatica lasts more than a few days, keeps coming back, or limits normal activities. Early treatment helps prevent compensation patterns that strain the back, hips, and legs.

Get urgent medical care if sciatica causes severe weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin area, or occurs suddenly after a major injury. These symptoms need prompt attention.

For ongoing leg pain, tingling, or lower back discomfort, call Weinerman Pain and Wellness or schedule a sciatica consultation online today.