Sciatica can be sharp, shooting, or burning pain that travels from your lower back into your leg—often making it difficult to sit, walk, or even sleep. At the Center for Regenerative Therapy & Pain Management, we provide precise, non-surgical treatment options that target the root cause and offer lasting relief.
Sciatica refers to a group of symptoms caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve—the longest nerve in your body. It usually begins in the lower back or buttock and travels down one leg, sometimes reaching the foot.
It’s important to understand that sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The pain is usually the result of an underlying condition like a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or nerve inflammation.
When a disc in the lower spine bulges or ruptures, it can press directly on the sciatic nerve, causing pain, numbness, or weakness down the leg.
Narrowing of the spinal canal reduces space for the nerves, increasing the likelihood of sciatic nerve compression during movement or posture shifts.
Over time, spinal discs lose height and hydration, which can create inflammation or instability that aggravates nearby nerves.
The piriformis muscle in the buttocks can tighten or spasm, irritating the sciatic nerve where it passes underneath the muscle.
When a vertebra slips out of position, it may pinch or stretch the sciatic nerve, leading to radiating pain or tingling in the leg.
Improper lifting, poor ergonomics, or trauma (like falls or accidents) can all lead to persistent back pain.
Sciatica symptoms can vary in severity and frequency, but they usually follow the same nerve path along the back of the leg.
Pain in the lower back, buttocks, and leg
Burning, tingling, or “electric” sensations
Numbness or muscle weakness in the affected leg
Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting
Difficulty standing, walking, or moving freely
Accurate diagnosis starts with a complete review of your symptoms, history, and mobility limitations. We focus on identifying the true source of nerve compression.
We may use:
Symptom review and physical exam, including straight-leg raise testing
Imaging (MRI or CT scan) to detect disc or spinal abnormalities
Diagnostic nerve blocks or injections to isolate which nerve root is involved
Treatment is based on what’s causing your sciatica—our goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve pressure, and restore function without surgery.
Reduce inflammation around irritated nerves to relieve radiating pain
Interrupt pain signals and help locate the exact nerve involved
Deactivates nerves sending pain signals when inflammation is long-standing
Used for chronic, treatment-resistant sciatica to block nerve pain
Target tight muscle areas contributing to sciatic nerve irritation
Improve strength, posture, and mobility for long-term symptom relief
If your sciatic pain persists or worsens, it’s time to consult a specialist. Early care often leads to faster recovery and prevents nerve damage.
You should seek treatment if:
Pain has lasted more than 1–2 weeks without improvement
Pain radiates below the knee or into the foot
You experience numbness or weakness in the leg
Pain worsens with movement, coughing, or prolonged sitting
Home care or medications are no longer effective
Sciatica pain can be sharp, unpredictable, and deeply limiting—but it doesn’t have to take control of your life. When simple tasks become painful, it’s time to explore more effective solutions.
At our clinic, we focus on non-invasive, personalized treatments that target the root cause of your pain. Our goal is to help you move freely again—comfortably and confidently.
Sciatica
Sciatica usually causes sharp, burning, or shooting pain that starts in the lower back or buttocks and travels down one leg. Some people experience tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected leg or foot. The pain may worsen with sitting, bending, or coughing. In most cases, symptoms appear only on one side of the body.
Sciatica is most often caused by pressure or irritation of the sciatic nerve, usually due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or inflammation in the lower spine. Poor posture, lifting heavy objects incorrectly, or long periods of sitting can also contribute. Sometimes, tight muscles like the piriformis can compress the nerve outside the spine. Identifying the underlying cause is key to effective treatment.
The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in the body. It starts in the lower spine, passes through the buttocks, and runs down the back of each leg into the feet. It controls muscles in the lower limbs and provides sensation to the thighs, legs, and soles of the feet. When compressed, it can cause pain and functional limitations along its entire path.
Sciatica pain may feel worse in the morning due to prolonged periods of immobility during sleep, which can cause spinal discs to swell slightly and press on nerve roots. Additionally, sleeping positions or a poor mattress may place extra pressure on the lower back and hips. Light stretching and movement after waking often help reduce stiffness. If morning pain is consistent, targeted treatment may be needed.
While sciatica usually affects only one leg, it can occasionally occur in both if nerve roots on both sides of the spine are compressed. This may be caused by conditions like severe spinal stenosis or large herniated discs. Bilateral sciatica is less common and typically requires more in-depth evaluation. A specialist can determine the exact source and extent of nerve involvement.
In some mild cases, sciatica symptoms may improve with rest, posture changes, and basic home care. However, symptoms often return if the root cause isn’t addressed. If your pain lasts more than a few weeks, worsens, or includes numbness or weakness, professional treatment is strongly recommended. Early care can help prevent long-term nerve damage.
Sciatica treatment depends on the cause but may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or interventional options like nerve blocks and epidural injections. At our clinic, we offer image-guided, non-surgical treatments designed to reduce inflammation and relieve nerve pressure. Radiofrequency ablation or spinal cord stimulation may be considered for long-term relief in chronic cases. Every plan is tailored to your specific symptoms and goals.
For sciatica, it’s best to see a board-certified pain management specialist or interventional spine physician. These doctors focus on diagnosing and treating nerve pain using non-surgical methods. They can also perform advanced procedures like injections or nerve ablations to provide targeted relief. Dr. Shane Huch leads our practice with expertise in treating complex spine-related pain like sciatica.
Some patients find temporary relief from chiropractic adjustments or massage, especially if muscle tension is contributing to symptoms. However, these approaches may not be effective for deeper nerve compression caused by disc or spinal issues. Lasting relief often requires targeted medical treatment. A proper diagnosis helps determine which options are most appropriate.
Gentle stretching, light walking, hot or cold packs, and posture adjustments can help reduce discomfort at home. Avoid sitting for long periods or lifting heavy objects. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may provide short-term relief, but they don’t address the root cause. For lasting improvement, a personalized treatment plan from a specialist is often needed.
Have questions or need guidance? Reach out today and our team will help you take the next step toward lasting pain relief.
We provide advanced, personalized pain management care for patients across New Jersey, led by board-certified specialist Dr. Shane Huch.
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