Short answer: sciatica is pain, numbness or tingling along the sciatic nerve. It often starts in the low back and runs down one leg. A common cause is a disc pressing on the nerve. If it keeps coming back or limits your day, get an exam to find the cause.
What sciatica is
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It runs from the low back down the back of each leg. MedlinePlus describes sciatica as a symptom of a problem with this nerve, not a disease on its own.
When it acts up, you may feel:
- Pain that runs from the low back or buttock down the leg
- Numbness or tingling in the calf, foot or toes
- Weakness in the leg
- Symptoms on one side of the body
Common causes
MedlinePlus lists these as common causes:
- A ruptured or herniated disc that presses on the nerve
- Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal
- An injury, such as a pelvic fracture
In many cases no single cause is found. Sometimes sciatica goes away on its own. Care, when needed, depends on the cause.
When to get help
| What you notice | What to do |
|---|---|
| Mild leg pain that is easing | Keep moving gently as comfort allows and watch how it changes. |
| Pain that keeps coming back or limits work, sleep or driving | Book an exam to find what is pressing on the nerve. |
| Numbness or tingling that spreads | Get checked soon. Nerve signs are worth a closer look. |
| Loss of bladder or bowel control, or sudden leg weakness | Get emergency care right away. |
How we look at sciatica in Wixom
At MaxLiving Wixom we start with your history and a structural exam. You see the findings in plain words before any plan starts, and you decide what happens next.
- When the exam shows a structural shift, care focuses on corrective chiropractic.
- When a disc is pressing on the nerve, the plan may add non-surgical spinal decompression.
- Not every plan needs every tool. We match care to what we measure.
Sciatica care near Novi and Walled Lake
Our office is at 29680 S Wixom Road, Wixom, MI 48393. We serve Wixom, Novi, Walled Lake, Commerce Township, Milford and South Lyon. Learn more on our sciatica treatment page.
Want to know if this fits you? Your first visit starts with a history and a structural exam, and you see the findings before any plan starts.
Request a visit online or call (248) 892-7246.
Common questions
What does sciatica feel like?
Pain, numbness, tingling or weakness that can start in the low back and run down the leg, often on one side.
Can sciatica go away on its own?
Sometimes it does. If it keeps coming back or gets in the way of daily life, an exam can help find the cause.
Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?
Many patients come to us for sciatica. We start with a structural exam so any plan rests on what we find, not on a guess.
Is spinal decompression used for sciatica?
When the exam shows a disc is pressing on the nerve, decompression is one of the clearest fits.
Do you see patients from Novi and Walled Lake?
Yes. Our office is at 29680 S Wixom Road and serves Novi, Walled Lake, Commerce Township, Milford and South Lyon.
Sources
This guide is general health information, not a diagnosis. For new or severe symptoms, see a licensed provider.