Sciatica

Lawrence, KS | Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic

Sciatica is a condition caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. Rather than being a diagnosis itself, sciatica is a symptom of an underlying condition such as a disc herniation, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, or degenerative changes in the lower back.

Sciatica typically causes pain that begins in the lower back or buttock and radiates down the back of the leg. Depending on the severity, symptoms may also include numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.

At Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic, we provide evidence-based, conservative treatment to identify the source of your sciatic nerve pain and help you return to normal activities without surgery whenever appropriate.

How We Treat Sciatica

Every treatment plan is customized based on the cause of your symptoms and the findings of your examination. Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

• Chiropractic spinal and extremity adjustments to improve spinal and pelvic joint mobility

• Flexion-distraction therapy to reduce pressure on irritated spinal discs and nerve roots

• Manual therapy to reduce muscle tension and improve soft tissue mobility

• Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) to decrease chronic muscle pain and promote tissue healing

• Dry needling to relieve muscle guarding and trigger points contributing to sciatic nerve irritation

• Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) to improve tissue mobility and reduce muscular restrictions

• Corrective exercises to improve spinal stability, hip mobility, and core strength

• Personalized home exercise program to support long-term recovery and reduce future flare-ups

Our goal is to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve, improve movement, and restore your ability to work, exercise, and enjoy daily life.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatic nerve pain may include:

• Pain radiating from the lower back into the buttock and leg

• Sharp, burning, or shooting leg pain

• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot

• Muscle weakness

• Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting

• Difficulty walking or standing for long periods

• Pain when bending, lifting, or twisting

Symptoms may affect one or both legs, although one-sided symptoms are far more common.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is most commonly caused by:

• Lumbar disc herniation

• Degenerative disc disease

• Spinal stenosis

• Piriformis syndrome

• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

• Spondylolisthesis

• Pregnancy

• Trauma or sports injuries

Because many different conditions can produce sciatic nerve pain, identifying the underlying cause is the first step toward effective treatment.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

Your initial evaluation at Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic is designed to determine the source of your sciatic nerve pain and whether conservative chiropractic care is appropriate.

Your visit may include:

• Detailed health history and symptom review

• Orthopedic and neurological examination

• Strength, sensation, and reflex testing

• Lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip assessment

• Functional movement evaluation

• Personalized treatment recommendations

If advanced imaging, such as an MRI, or referral to another healthcare provider is indicated, we will help coordinate the next step in your care.

Why Choose Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic?

We focus on treating the cause of sciatica—not just masking the symptoms. Our comprehensive treatment approach may include chiropractic adjustments, flexion-distraction therapy, manual therapy, Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), dry needling, IASTM, and corrective exercises to reduce nerve irritation and restore normal movement.

Our treatment plans are designed to:

• Reduce sciatic nerve pain

• Improve mobility and flexibility

• Relieve numbness and tingling

• Restore strength and function

• Improve walking, standing, and daily activities

• Help patients avoid unnecessary medications or surgery whenever possible