What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is one of the most commonly misunderstood pain conditions. Many patients use the term to describe any pain that runs down the leg, but sciatica is more specifically defined as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve — the longest and widest nerve in the human body, running from the lower back through the buttocks and down each leg.

Sciatica Is a Symptom, Not a Diagnosis

This is an important distinction. Sciatica describes the experience of pain along the sciatic nerve path — but that irritation or compression can have multiple causes, each requiring slightly different treatment. Identifying the underlying cause is the essential first step.

Common Causes of Sciatica

• Lumbar disc herniation: The most common cause; displaced disc material presses directly on a lumbar nerve root
• Piriformis syndrome: The piriformis muscle in the buttock can compress or irritate the sciatic nerve as it passes through or near the muscle
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal or foramina in the lumbar spine compresses nerve roots
• Facet joint hypertrophy: Arthritic enlargement of facet joints narrows the foramen through which nerve roots exit
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: Can refer pain along the sciatic nerve distribution

Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica

Chiropractic care addresses sciatica by identifying and treating the underlying mechanical cause. Lumbar manipulation reduces disc pressure on nerve roots. Flexion-distraction therapy gently decompresses the affected disc levels. Piriformis stretching and soft-tissue release address muscular contributors. Most patients experience significant relief within 4–6 weeks of consistent care.

At Total Health Family Clinic, our doctors perform a thorough assessment to determine the precise source of your sciatic symptoms before beginning treatment. We serve patients in Hyattsville, District Heights, and throughout Prince George's County.