Sciatica: What That Shooting Leg Pain Means and What Can Help

Sciatica has a way of getting your attention. One day your lower back is a little stiff, and the next you have a sharp, burning, or electric pain running down the back of one leg. Sitting in the car on the drive across Hot Springs, standing at work, or even trying to get comfortable in bed can become a challenge.

Sciatica is common, and many cases improve with time and the right kind of care. Here is a plain-language look at what sciatica is, what can cause it, what you can try at home, and when it is time to get help.

What Is Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It starts from nerve roots in the lower back, travels through the buttock, and runs down the back of each leg. “Sciatica” is not a diagnosis by itself. It is a description of symptoms that happen when something irritates or puts pressure on that nerve or the nerve roots that form it.

Common symptoms

• Pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and travels down the back of the thigh, sometimes below the knee
• Burning, shooting, or electric-shock type pain, usually on one side
• Numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles feeling in the leg or foot
• Pain that gets worse with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
• Leg pain that may feel worse than the back pain

What Causes Sciatica?

Several different problems can irritate the sciatic nerve, which is why an exam matters. Some of the more common causes include:

• A bulging or herniated disc in the lower back pressing on a nerve root
• Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spaces where nerves travel, which is more common as we age
• Piriformis syndrome, where a muscle deep in the buttock irritates the nerve
• Joint irritation and muscle tightness in the lower back and pelvis

Things that can make sciatica more likely include long hours of sitting, heavy or awkward lifting, a recent increase in activity, and pregnancy. Around Hot Springs, we often hear about symptoms flaring after a long day of yard work, a road trip, or hours spent in a bass boat on Lake Hamilton or Lake Ouachita.

What You Can Try at Home

For mild sciatica without warning signs, these steps may help while things settle down:

• Keep gently moving. Bed rest for long periods usually is not recommended. Short, easy walks are often better than staying still.
• Break up sitting time. Get up every 20 to 30 minutes if sitting makes your leg pain worse.
• Use ice or heat for comfort. Use whichever feels better, for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time, with a towel between the pack and your skin.
• Be careful with lifting and twisting. Bend at your hips and knees, keep loads close, and avoid twisting while carrying something.
• Pay attention to positions. Many people find certain positions ease their leg pain. A pillow between the knees when sleeping on your side is a common one.

Avoid aggressive stretching if it makes your leg symptoms worse. Pain that spreads farther down the leg is usually a sign to back off.

When Sciatica Needs Urgent Care

Some symptoms need emergency medical attention right away. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have:

• New loss of bladder or bowel control
• Numbness in the groin, inner thighs, or “saddle” area
• Leg weakness that is getting worse, such as a foot that drags or catches
• Back and leg pain after a serious fall or car accident
• Back pain with fever or unexplained weight loss

You should also get checked if your symptoms last more than a few weeks, keep returning, or are severe enough to interfere with sleep and work.

How Sciatica Is Treated at Our Office

Because sciatica can come from different sources, care starts with a careful history and exam. Dr. Kight will ask about when your symptoms started and what makes them better or worse, then perform tests to help figure out which tissues are involved. If your symptoms suggest a problem that needs imaging, a specialist, or another kind of care, we will refer you.

When chiropractic care is a good fit, a plan may include gentle spinal adjustments, soft tissue work, targeted stretches, and exercises to support your lower back and hips. You will also get guidance on sitting, lifting, and sleeping positions so you can help your recovery at home. Our page on back pain relief in Hot Springs explains more about how we approach lower back problems.

If leg pain is slowing you down, request an appointment or call (501) 762-9648. Our Hot Springs office at 1880 Airport Rd, Suite B, is open Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm. Patients in southwest Arkansas can also see us at our Ashdown office, 370 W Main St, on Tuesdays from 8:30am to 4:00pm; call (870) 898-5037 for that location. Learn more about chiropractic care in Hot Springs on our homepage.

Sciatica FAQ

How long does sciatica usually last?

It varies. Many cases improve over several weeks, while others take longer or come and go. Ongoing or worsening symptoms should be evaluated.

Can sitting make sciatica worse?

For many people, yes. Long periods of sitting can increase pressure in the lower back. Breaking up sitting time and adjusting your chair often helps.

Is chiropractic care safe for sciatica?

For many people with sciatica, chiropractic care is a reasonable conservative option once serious causes have been ruled out. That is why we start with a thorough exam and refer out when something needs a different kind of care.