Sciatica is a painful and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people each year. Characterized by pain that radiates from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg, sciatica can make everyday activities—from walking and sitting to bending and lifting—extremely difficult. Many patients search for a chiropractor in Sanford NC after experiencing recurring episodes of sciatic pain, only to realize that ignoring or masking the symptoms with medication does not fix the underlying problem.

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, originating in the lumbar spine and extending down through the legs to the feet. When this nerve becomes compressed, irritated, or inflamed, it can produce a variety of symptoms including sharp pain, burning sensations, numbness, tingling, or weakness. These symptoms may appear intermittently or persist continuously, often worsening over time if the root cause is not addressed.

One of the most common causes of sciatica is a disc injury—such as a bulging or herniated disc. When the disc protrudes outward, it can press on the nerve root, triggering radiating pain down the sciatic nerve pathway. Disc issues may develop due to poor posture, repetitive strain, lifting injuries, or general wear and tear. However, many people are surprised to learn that the pain often appears suddenly—sometimes from something as simple as bending to pick up an object—while the underlying disc problem has been developing quietly for years.

Sciatica can also be caused by subluxations (misalignments) in the spine. Postural imbalances, trauma, pregnancy, or muscular tension can shift the vertebrae out of alignment, narrowing the space where the nerve roots exit the spine. Over time, this pressure can create chronic inflammation and recurring pain. Additional contributors may include degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or muscle spasms that tighten around the nerve.

Left untreated, sciatica often becomes more severe and prolonged. Chronic nerve irritation can lead to permanent nerve damage, reduced mobility, and significant declines in quality of life. The good news is that chiropractic care is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for sciatica because it addresses the root cause—restoring proper spinal alignment, reducing nerve pressure, and improving overall function.