Conditions We Treat
Sciatica Treatment in Seattle
That shooting pain down your leg isn't something you just live with. We find the cause and fix it — without surgery or dependency on pain meds.
What Is Sciatica
The Sciatic Nerve — and What Irritates It
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, running from the lower back through the buttock and down each leg. When it's compressed or irritated — by a disc herniation, muscle tightness, or joint dysfunction — it produces the characteristic radiating pain known as sciatica.
Identifying the exact cause is critical to effective treatment. Sciatica from a herniated disc requires a different approach than sciatica from piriformis syndrome. Our exam pinpoints the source before treatment begins.
Symptoms
- Sharp, shooting pain from low back into the buttock, leg, or foot
- Burning or electric sensation down one leg
- Numbness or tingling in the leg, calf, or foot
- Weakness in the affected leg or foot
- Pain that worsens with sitting, standing too long, or sneezing
- Difficulty walking or standing upright
Common Causes
Herniated Disc
The most common cause — disc material pressing on the sciatic nerve root in the lumbar spine.
Piriformis Syndrome
The piriformis muscle in the buttock compresses the sciatic nerve as it passes through or beneath it.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerve roots in older patients.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Dysfunction at the SI joint can mimic or cause true sciatic irritation.
Treatment
How We Treat Sciatica
Chiropractic Adjustment
Reduces lumbar joint restriction and disc pressure that compresses the sciatic nerve.
Flexion-Distraction Technique
Gentle, low-force spinal decompression to relieve disc herniation and nerve root pressure.
Soft Tissue / Piriformis Release
Direct treatment of the piriformis and surrounding musculature when the nerve is compressed peripherally.
Rehabilitation
Core stabilization and nerve mobility exercises to address the underlying cause and prevent recurrence.
Acupuncture
Reduces nerve inflammation and sciatic pain — particularly effective for burning, electric, or radiating symptoms.
Massage Therapy
Relieves the muscle spasm that worsens sciatic compression and improves circulation to irritated tissue.
Stop Living With Sciatic Pain
New patient evaluation + first treatment — $149. Same-day appointments available.