What Is Sciatica and How Can It Affect You?
Sciatica describes pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the hip and down one or both legs. It's usually caused by compression or irritation of a nerve root in the lumbar spine, often from a herniated disc, bone spur, or tight surrounding muscle tissue like the piriformis. Symptoms range from a mild ache to sharp, electric pain, numbness, or tingling. Anyone can develop sciatica, though it's especially common in active adults and athletes who place repetitive load through the spine and hips.
Are You Struggling with Sciatica Pain?
If you've been dealing with that deep, burning ache that shoots from your lower back through your hip and down your leg, you already know how disabling sciatica can be. It can make sitting at a desk unbearable, interrupt your sleep, and keep you out of the gym, off the trail, or away from the activities you love most. Many people try rest, ice, or over-the-counter pain relievers and get temporary relief at best. Others are told to "wait it out," only to find the pain returns the moment they try to get active again. Sciatic nerve pain that's left untreated, or treated only at the surface, tends to come back, often worse.
The frustrating part is that sciatica is rarely just a "back problem." The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, and irritation can come from the lumbar spine, the piriformis muscle, or imbalances in how your hips and pelvis move. Without identifying your specific cause, even well-intentioned treatment misses the mark.
How Our Springfield Chiropractors Treat Sciatica
At 417 Performance Chiropractic, we don't just treat where your pain is. We find out why the sciatic nerve is being irritated in the first place. Our sports chiropractors use a combination of:
- Chiropractic adjustments to restore proper joint movement in the lumbar spine and pelvis
- Soft tissue therapy and Active Release Technique (ART) to address muscular compression around the nerve
- Dry needling and corrective exercises to retrain the movement patterns contributing to your symptoms
Every plan is specific to your anatomy, your activity level, and your goals. Whether you're a weekend runner, a lifter, or a parent who just wants to play with your kids without wincing, we build your care around getting you back to full activity.
Learn more about our approach to chiropractic care and the all-inclusive services we use to treat conditions like sciatica.
Overcoming Sciatica Pain with Chiropractic Care
Free Discovery Call
In-Depth Assessment
Treatment and Progressive Rehab
What Life Looks Like After Sciatica Treatment
Experience a New Level of Comfort and Mobility
What Life Looks Like After Sciatica Treatment
Patients who address sciatica with a root-cause approach, rather than just masking symptoms, report meaningful, lasting improvement. Most of our patients experience:
- Relief from sharp leg pain and numbness within the first few weeks of care
- Improved ability to sit, walk, lift, and exercise without flare-ups
- A clear understanding of what caused their sciatica and how to prevent recurrence
The goal isn't just less pain today. It's the ability to train hard, stay active, and live your life without sciatic nerve pain setting the limits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica Treatment
Yes, chiropractic care is one of the most well-supported conservative treatments for sciatica. By restoring joint mobility, reducing nerve compression, and addressing the muscular and movement contributors, many patients find significant and lasting relief without medication or surgery.
It depends on the severity and cause of your sciatica. Many patients notice meaningful improvement within 4 to 6 visits. We'll give you an honest timeline after your initial assessment.
Most patients find treatment to be comfortable, even relieving. Our chiropractors adjust the pressure and techniques based on your sensitivity and symptom level, especially in the early stages.
No referral is needed. You can book directly, and same-week appointments are usually available.
Most major insurance plans include chiropractic coverage. We recommend calling your provider to confirm your benefits before your first visit.
Ready to Stop Letting Sciatica Win?
Serving Springfield and the surrounding Missouri communities, 417 Performance Chiropractic has same-week availability and no referral required.
