Sciatica Treatment in Pembroke Pines
Sciatica is a description of a symptom, not a diagnosis: pain following the path of the sciatic nerve down the back of the leg. The useful work is identifying where along that path the nerve is being irritated.
For some people the source is a disc in the low back. For others it is the joints of the pelvis or the muscles the nerve travels beneath.
How sciatica typically presents
- Burning or electric pain running from the buttock into the thigh or calf
- Symptoms on one side rather than both
- Numbness, pins and needles or a heavy feeling in the leg
- Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, coughing or sneezing
- Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position
Where the irritation often comes from
- Lumbar disc bulge or herniation pressing on a nerve root
- Narrowing of the space where the nerve exits the spine
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction referring pain into the leg
- Deep hip muscles compressing the nerve as it passes through
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. An exam is how we determine what applies to you.
How we approach sciatica
- 1
Neurological screening first
Reflexes, strength and sensation are tested to understand whether the nerve is simply irritated or genuinely compressed — those go different directions.
- 2
Reduce the irritation
Care may combine chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression and soft tissue work depending on what the exam points to.
- 3
Directional exercise
Many people have one direction of movement that eases leg symptoms. Finding it gives you something to do between visits instead of waiting it out.
Questions we get asked
- Is sciatica the same as a herniated disc?
- Not necessarily. A herniated disc is one possible cause, but pelvic and muscular sources can produce very similar leg pain.
- Should I stretch my hamstring?
- Sometimes aggressive hamstring stretching pulls on an already irritated nerve and makes things worse. We show you what to do based on your findings.
- When is this an emergency?
- Loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness in the saddle region, or rapidly worsening leg weakness need immediate medical attention — not a chiropractic appointment.
Related concerns
- Herniated DiscDisc-related back or neck pain, often with symptoms travelling into an arm or leg.Read about herniated disc
- Back PainLower and mid-back pain, stiffness and difficulty bending or sitting.Read about back pain
- Hip PainGroin, outer hip and buttock pain that limits walking, stairs and sleep.Read about hip pain
Treating sciatica in Pembroke Pines
We're at 12191 Taft Street, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026. Tell us what's going on and when you're reachable, and our team will call you back to set up an exam.