Pain that runs down the leg
When the Pain Travels, the Nerve Is Involved
Sciatica is not a diagnosis by itself. It describes pain, tingling, numbness or weakness along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg. It can feel like a dull ache in the hip, an electric shock down the back of the thigh, or a foot that falls asleep every time you sit.
The nerve is usually being irritated somewhere upstream. Disc problems, tight muscles in the hips and buttocks, a pelvis that is not moving evenly, and posture habits can all play a part. Leah came to us with weeks of lower back pain and shooting pain down her leg. She wrote that with routine care she is now walking without it.
Finding the source
Your Evaluation Looks at the Whole Path of the Nerve
Because the sciatic nerve passes through the spine, pelvis and hips, Dr. Serrano evaluates all three. Your first visit includes a head-to-toe exam, digital posture analysis and functional movement testing, and x-rays when your symptoms call for them. Sometimes pain that seems to be in the leg or knee is actually coming from the back. Sebastian thought he had knee pain until his evaluation showed otherwise.
We also screen for signs that need a different kind of care. If you have loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin area, or rapidly worsening leg weakness, seek emergency care right away.
Care that takes pressure off
Relieve the Pressure, Then Prevent the Next Flare-Up
Gentle adjustments to the spine and pelvis help restore normal motion and reduce the mechanical stress on the nerve roots. Alongside them, we work on the muscles and movement habits that keep loading the area, including hip mobility, core stability and how you sit through the day.
Sciatica is common during pregnancy too, and we have a dedicated page on pregnancy and postpartum chiropractic. For a longer read on how care works, see how chiropractic care can help with sciatica pain. If your main complaint is lower back pain without the leg symptoms, start with our back pain care.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my leg pain is sciatica?
Sciatica typically follows a line from the lower back or buttock down the back or side of one leg, sometimes into the foot, and may come with tingling or numbness. Other problems can feel similar, which is why we evaluate before treating.
Can sciatica go away on its own?
Mild flare-ups sometimes do. Sciatica that keeps returning, or that lasts more than a few weeks, usually has a mechanical cause worth addressing.
Is chiropractic care safe if I have a disc problem?
Many people with disc issues are good candidates for gentle chiropractic care. Dr. Serrano reviews your history and any imaging, then adapts the techniques to your situation.
Should I sit or lie down when sciatica flares?
Long periods of sitting usually aggravate it. Short walks and changing positions often help. We will give you specific guidance based on what your evaluation finds.
Ready When You Are
Start Your Wellness Journey Today
At Family Chiropractic & Posture Center, we’re not just treating symptoms — we’re helping you live better, move freely, and feel empowered. Our proven methods combine chiropractic adjustments, posture correction (PostureFit), red-light therapy, and nutrition support to unlock your body’s natural healing potential. With over 30 years of dedicated community care and a commitment to personalized, one-on-one attention, we’re here to guide you and your loved ones toward lasting health and wellness.
Your Recovery Is Our Number One Priority
What Our Recent Patients Have To Say
"Feeling so much better after weeks of lower back pain. Dr. Serrano and the staff are friendly, helpful and caring. With routine adjustments, ultra sound and stem treatment, I am now walking without the shooting pain radiating down my leg. Soo thankful!!"
"If I could give 6 stars, I would. What I thought was knee pain, was actually coming from my back. Dr. Serrano educated me on how the body is connected and stretches I could do to help it. After going through their care program, I no longer have pain."
"In just four months, they've accomplished what I thought was impossible: restoring my mobility and banishing the chronic back pain that had plagued me since giving birth to my first child. Having visited chiropractors for over two decades, I can attest that Dr. Serrano's approach stands head and shoulders above the rest."
$49
New Patient Special
- Comprehensive evaluation to uncover the source of your pain
- Digital Posture Analysis
- 1 on 1 Consultation with Dr. Serrano
*Offer not available for Medicare/Medicaid/Tricare.
