Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms and Triggers

Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve—from the lower back down through the hips, buttocks, and legs. It’s not a diagnosis itself but a symptom of nerve irritation or compression, most commonly caused by a herniated disc, spinal misalignment, or muscular tension.

Patients with sciatica often describe sharp, burning, or shooting pain in one leg, sometimes with tingling or numbness. Chiropractic care can address the root cause of this nerve pressure by improving spinal alignment and relieving disc or muscular tension.

At State College Family Chiropractic Center, we use a combination of gentle spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and specific exercises to help decompress the sciatic nerve and support long-term healing.