When Back Pain Doesn’t Stay in Your Back
Sciatica is pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down one or both legs. It can feel dull, achy, sharp, or like pins and needles or electric shocks, and it often comes with burning, numbness or tingling. At Fike Chiropractic in Tulsa, OK , we look for the source of your sciatic nerve irritation and build a care plan to help you move comfortably again.
Request an AppointmentUnderstanding Sciatic Nerve Pain
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. When it becomes irritated or compressed, you may feel symptoms anywhere along that path. Sciatica is also known as radiating or referred pain, neuropathy, or neuralgia.
Sciatic nerve pain varies from mild to severe, and it may come and go or be constant. The onset is usually gradual and not always tied to a specific event, which is why many people live with it for weeks before seeking help.
Common Signs of Sciatica
- Pain in the lower back that travels into the buttock, thigh, calf or foot
- Dull, achy or sharp pain that may feel like an electric shock
- Pins-and-needles sensations in the leg or foot
- Burning, numbness or tingling along the path of the nerve
- Pain that gets worse with prolonged sitting, standing or certain movements
What Can Contribute to Sciatica
Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis, so finding the cause matters. Irritation of the nerve can be linked to spinal joint restriction, disc problems, muscle tightness in the hips and buttocks, or poor posture and movement habits. Long hours of sitting, lifting, and past injuries can also play a role. If you have a related condition, you may find our pages on back pain, degenerative disc disease and neuropathy helpful.
How We Approach Sciatica Care in Tulsa
Your first visit starts with a conversation about your symptoms, history and daily activities, followed by an examination to learn where the irritation is coming from. From there, your care plan may include a combination of:
- Chiropractic care to restore healthy motion to the spine and pelvis
- Physiotherapy to ease muscle tension and support healing
- Corrective exercises to strengthen supporting muscles and improve movement
- Acupuncture and ultrasound to help calm pain and irritation
- Lifestyle advice on posture, sitting, lifting and sleep
Learn more about our approach on The Fike Method page, or visit our new patients page to see what to expect before you arrive.
Sciatica Questions We Hear Often
What does sciatica feel like?
Sciatica usually shows up as pain in the lower back that travels down one or both legs. People describe it as dull, achy, sharp, burning, or like pins and needles or electric shocks. Numbness and tingling are also common.
Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?
Many people with sciatica find relief with chiropractic care. After an exam to identify what is irritating the nerve, we use gentle, targeted care along with supportive therapies and exercises to reduce pain and improve movement.
How do I know if my leg pain is sciatica?
Pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and radiates down the leg, often with tingling or numbness, is a typical sign. Because other conditions can cause similar symptoms, an examination is the best way to find the true cause.
How long does sciatica last?
It varies from person to person. Sciatica can be mild or severe, occasional or constant, and recovery depends on the cause, how long you have had symptoms, and your daily habits. We will discuss what to expect for your situation after your exam.
Why did my sciatica come on gradually without an injury?
Sciatica often develops slowly and is not always linked to a single event. Ongoing stress on the spine from posture, prolonged sitting, repetitive movement or muscle imbalances can build up until the nerve becomes irritated.
Is sciatica the same as neuropathy?
They are related but not identical. Sciatica is sometimes described as radiating or referred pain, neuropathy or neuralgia because it involves nerve irritation. Your exam helps us determine what is driving your symptoms so we can recommend the right care.
What should I do before my first sciatica appointment?
Note when your symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and any past injuries or treatments. Wear comfortable clothing and bring any relevant imaging or records you have. Our new patients page explains what to expect.
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Ready to Get Back to Moving Comfortably?
Don’t wait for leg pain, tingling or numbness to take over your day. Call (918) 664-8281 or request a visit online to meet with our team in Tulsa, OK .