If you’ve ever felt a sharp, burning pain travel from your lower back into your buttock and down your leg, you know sciatica can make even simple things uncomfortable. Sitting at your desk. Getting out of the car. Walking around the house. Sleeping at night. Suddenly, you’re thinking about your leg with every step.

Sciatica is a common type of nerve-related pain that can range from an annoying ache to severe pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. While it can sometimes improve on its own, persistent or recurring symptoms shouldn’t be ignored.

At Grabouski Chiropractic in Overland Park, KS, we help patients throughout Johnson County, including Overland Park, Olathe, Leawood, and surrounding communities, understand what’s contributing to their pain and determine whether chiropractic care may be an appropriate part of their recovery.

What Is Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body. It begins in the lower spine and travels through the pelvis and buttocks before branching down each leg. When one or more of the nerve roots that contribute to the sciatic nerve become irritated or compressed, you may experience what is commonly called sciatica. Unlike ordinary low back pain, sciatica often involves symptoms that travel away from the lower back and into the buttock or leg.

Common Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica can feel different from person to person. Common symptoms include:

• Sharp or shooting pain in the lower back, buttock, or leg
• Burning pain
• Tingling or “pins and needles”
• Numbness
• Pain that travels down the back or side of the leg
• Weakness in the leg or foot
• Pain that becomes worse after sitting for long periods
• Difficulty standing or walking comfortably

Sciatica may affect one side of the body, although symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica isn’t a diagnosis by itself. It’s a description of symptoms caused by irritation or compression involving the nerves in the lower spine. Several conditions can contribute to sciatic nerve symptoms.

Herniated or Bulging Disc

The discs between the vertebrae act as cushions for your spine. If a disc becomes damaged or bulges into surrounding space, it can sometimes irritate a nearby nerve root. A herniated disc is one of the most common causes of sciatica.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when there is narrowing within the spinal canal or the openings where nerves exit the spine. This can place pressure on spinal nerves and may cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs.

Degenerative Changes in the Spine

As we age, normal wear and tear can affect the discs and joints of the spine. These changes don’t necessarily cause pain, but in some people they can contribute to nerve irritation and symptoms associated with sciatica.

Muscle and Movement-Related Problems

Not every case of pain that feels like “sciatica” originates from a spinal disc. Problems involving the muscles, joints, or other structures around the lower back and hip can sometimes produce similar symptoms. That’s why identifying the source of your symptoms matters.

What Makes Sciatica Worse?

Certain activities and positions may aggravate sciatic symptoms. For some people, prolonged sitting is particularly uncomfortable. Others notice increased symptoms when bending, lifting, twisting, or getting in and out of a vehicle. Poor lifting mechanics, repetitive movements, prolonged inactivity, and suddenly increasing your activity level may also contribute to low back and leg discomfort. If you’ve recently started experiencing symptoms after lifting something heavy, beginning a new workout routine, working in the yard, or spending long hours sitting, it’s worth paying attention to how your symptoms developed.

What Happens During a Chiropractic Exam?

If you come to our office with sciatica symptoms, the first step isn’t simply adjusting your spine. Dr. Justin Grabouski performs a thorough exam to understand what’s happening.

Your evaluation may include:

• A discussion of your symptoms and medical history
• When and how your pain started
• Where you feel pain, numbness, or tingling
• Activities or positions that make your symptoms better or worse
• An assessment of movement and mobility
• X-ray imaging
• Evaluation of the spine and surrounding areas

When Should You See a Chiropractor for Sciatica?

You don’t need to wait until your pain becomes severe before seeking help.

Consider scheduling an appointment if:

• Your lower back pain keeps coming back
• Pain travels into your buttock or leg
• You have persistent tingling or numbness
• Sitting or standing has become uncomfortable
• Your symptoms are interfering with work, exercise, or sleep
• You’re avoiding activities because of pain
• Your symptoms haven’t improved with rest and basic self-care

Getting an exam can help you better understand what’s going on rather than simply hoping the problem disappears.

Don’t Let Sciatica Keep You From the Things You Love

Back and leg pain can change the way you live your day. You may stop exercising because you’re afraid of making things worse. You might avoid long drives, cancel plans, or struggle to get comfortable at night. And the longer you’ve been dealing with pain, the easier it can be to assume that it’s something you simply have to live with. You don’t.

The first step is figuring out why you’re having the symptoms in the first place. At Grabouski Chiropractic, our goal is to help patients understand their condition and provide appropriate, individualized care designed around their needs and goals.

Sciatica Treatment in Overland Park, KS

If you’re searching for a chiropractor for sciatica in Overland Park, KS, you’re not alone. Patients throughout Johnson County, Olathe, Leawood, and the surrounding Kansas City area visit Grabouski Chiropractic for help with back pain, neck pain, sports injuries, and other musculoskeletal concerns. If sciatic pain is keeping you from working, exercising, sleeping, or simply enjoying your day, schedule an evaluation with Grabouski Chiropractic. We’ll listen to what’s going on, evaluate your symptoms, and help you understand your options.

Don’t spend another month working around your pain. Contact Grabouski Chiropractic in Overland Park today to schedule your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica

How long does sciatica usually last?

The duration of sciatica varies depending on its cause and severity. Some people experience improvement within a few weeks, while others have persistent or recurring symptoms. If your symptoms aren’t improving or are interfering with your daily life, an evaluation can help determine the next appropriate step.

Can a chiropractor fix sciatica?

There isn’t one treatment that works for every case of sciatica; however, we’ve had amazing results in our office. Chiropractic care can help patients depending on the underlying cause of their symptoms. A proper evaluation by Dr. Justin Grabouski is important before determining whether chiropractic care is appropriate. All consultations are no charge.

Can sciatica go away on its own?

Yes, some cases of sciatica improve without extensive treatment. However, persistent, recurring, or worsening symptoms shouldn’t simply be ignored. Getting an evaluation may help identify contributing factors and determine appropriate care.

Does sitting make sciatica worse?

For some people, prolonged sitting can aggravate sciatic symptoms. Changing positions regularly, taking movement breaks, and addressing the underlying cause of your symptoms may help.

Can exercise help sciatica?

Movement and exercise can be helpful for many people with low back pain, but the appropriate activities depend on what’s causing your symptoms. Exercises that feel good for one person may aggravate another person’s condition. If you’re experiencing significant pain, numbness, or weakness, it’s best to be evaluated before beginning an aggressive exercise program.

Can a herniated disc cause sciatica?

Yes. A herniated disc in the lower spine can irritate or compress a nearby nerve root and cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels into the leg. Chiropractic can help provide relief and prevent repeated symptoms.

Grabouski Chiropractic
Overland Park, KS | Serving Overland Park, Olathe, Leawood & Johnson County

Ready to find out what’s causing your pain? Schedule an appointment with Grabouski Chiropractic today.