Sciatica is a form of radiating pain that begins in the lower back or gluteal muscles and travels down one or both legs along the course of the sciatic nerve down to the foot. It is not a standalone diagnosis but a clinical sign that one or more lumbar nerve roots—most commonly L4, L5, or S1—are irritated or compressed by the discs or deep gluteal muscles. Symptoms often include sharp, burning, or electric-like pain, sometimes with tingling, numbness, or weakness. The pain is typically one-sided and may worsen with prolonged sitting, bending, lifting, or coughing.

Recognizing the symptoms of sciatica is the first step toward effective treatment. Some of the most common signs include:

• Sharp, shooting, or burning pain from the low back/gluteal muscles, down the back of the thigh, calf, or into the foot (typically one side).
• Tingling, “pins and needles,” or numbness in the leg or foot.
• Leg weakness or trouble lifting the foot or standing on toes/heels; a “heavy” leg.
• Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, twisting, or coughing/sneezing; often eases with gentle walking or lying down.
• Tight or guarded hamstrings, reduced range of motion, and an antalgic (protective) posture.

Seek urgent care if pain is accompanied by new bladder/bowel changes, saddle numbness, or rapidly worsening weakness.

Most cases come from a vertical disc or buttock spasm narrowing the space around a nerve root in the lower spine or irritating the sciatic nerve higher in the hip/buttock region. Common causes include:

• Lumbar disc herniation or bulge pressing on a nerve root.
• Degenerative changes/arthritis (bone spurs, disc height loss) causing foramina narrowing.
• Lumbar spinal stenosis (crowding of the spinal canal).
• Spondylolisthesis (one vertebra slips forward on another).
• Facet joint inflammation and local swelling.
• Piriformis syndrome (the muscle in the buttock compresses the sciatic nerve).
• Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction and muscular imbalance/postural strain.
• Pregnancy (postural shifts and ligament laxity).
• Overuse or repetitive strain (running, pickleball, golf, heavy lifting) and prolonged sitting.
• Trauma (falls, sports injuries); less commonly, tumors or infection.
• Cysts, tumors and pathology.

At Shaker Spine & Sport Institute, located in Tampa, FL, we understand the debilitating impact sciatica can have on your daily life. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing effective, non-invasive treatment options to help you find relief and regain control of your well-being. Visit our Chiropractic Physicians and they will be able to do a thorough examination and help you develop a treatment plan.

We offer a variety of different treatments to help treat sciatica, such as:

Chiropractic Adjustment: Manual and gentle vibrating adjustments utilizing Arthostim and Activator devices. Chiropractic adjustments don’t stop at the spine. We also target the joints in your TMJ, shoulders, elbows, wrists, thumbs, hands, hips, knees, ankles and feet — bringing your entire musculoskeletal system back into alignment. With precise, gentle corrections, we reduce nerve interference, relieve pain, and restore natural movement—so you can move freely from head to toe. Adjustments are great after auto accidents and for athletic performance/recovery.

‍Softwave® Tissue Regeneration Therapy: SoftWave® is a non-invasive regenerative tissue therapy that uses acoustic shockwaves to activate your body’s natural healing processes—no needles, no downtime. These waves travel deep beneath the surface, reaching both soft tissue and bone to break up scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and stimulate stem cell activity. Whether you’re dealing with tendon pain, joint issues, or chronic injuries, this therapy targets the root—helping restore what’s been worn down or overworked from the inside out. SoftWave®Therapy is widely used for conditions such as tendonitis, joint pain, ligament injuries, and chronic inflammation, making it a powerful alternative to surgery and medications.

Ice/Heat Therapy: Ice and Heat Therapy are time-tested methods for managing pain and promoting healing. Ice therapy is effective immediately after an injury to reduce swelling and numb pain, while heat therapy helps relax and loosen tissues, improving blood flow and flexibility. Alternating between the two can enhance recovery by addressing both inflammation and muscle stiffness, ensuring a comprehensive approach to healing. This therapy is commonly done alongside Electric Muscle Stimulator (EMS) Therapy.

‍Foot & Spinal Posture Analysis: With 3D laser scanning technology from Foot Levelers, we assess your arch support, entire spinal/body posture, and weight distribution to create custom orthotics—designed to ease pain in the feet, knees, hips, and back, correct faulty posture, and support your whole-body balanced and functional.

With over 35 years of experience serving the South Tampa community, our expert team is dedicated to helping you live pain-free.  Don't let your conditions limit your life - schedule your appointment today to start your recovery!