What Really Causes Sciatica | Chiropractor in Aliquippa PA

If you’ve ever felt a sharp, shooting pain that runs from your lower back down your leg, you may already know how miserable sciatica can be. For many people, it’s more than just “back pain” — it’s nerve pain that can make sitting, standing, and even sleeping feel impossible.

At Skyline Chiropractic and Sports Medicine in Aliquippa, PA (2253 Brodhead Road), we hear from patients every week who are struggling with sciatica. People often find us by searching for a "chiropractor near me for sciatica"—and with good reason. Sciatica is one of the most frequent causes of lower back and leg pain, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood conditions we treat.

Let’s break down what really causes sciatica, how it’s different from typical low back pain, and how chiropractic care can help you find lasting relief naturally — without drugs or surgery.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica isn’t a condition by itself — it’s a set of symptoms caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in your body. This nerve runs from your lower spine, through your hips and buttocks, and down the back of each leg.

When that nerve gets “pinched,” inflamed, or compressed, it sends pain signals that can feel like:

• Sharp or burning pain in the leg or buttock

  
  

• Numbness or tingling down the thigh, calf, or foot

  
  

• Muscle weakness in one leg

  
  

• Pain that worsens when sitting or standing for long periods

  
  

Sciatica usually affects one side of the body, but depending on the cause, the symptoms can vary from mild to debilitating.

Sciatica vs. General Low Back Pain — What’s the Difference?

Many people assume that all back pain is sciatica, but that’s not quite true.

• General low back pain often stays in the lower back and may be caused by muscle strain, poor posture, or joint irritation.

  
  

• Sciatica, on the other hand, travels — the key symptom is pain that radiates from the lower back into the leg.

  
  

A simple way to tell the difference:

If your pain shoots, burns, or tingles below the knee, especially on one side, there’s a good chance your sciatic nerve is involved.

Understanding this distinction helps your chiropractor target the real cause of your pain — not just mask the symptoms.

What Really Causes Sciatica?

There isn’t just one cause of sciatica — several different conditions can put pressure on or irritate the sciatic nerve. The most common include:

1. Herniated or Bulging Disc

This is the number one cause of sciatica. The discs between your vertebrae act like cushions, but if one bulges or herniates, it can press directly on the nerve root that forms the sciatic nerve.

This type of pain often comes on suddenly after bending, lifting, or twisting — and it may feel worse when coughing or sneezing.

2. Degenerative Disc Disease

Over time, the discs in your spine can lose hydration and height. As this happens, the space between vertebrae narrows, increasing the likelihood of nerve compression.

Patients with degenerative changes often describe chronic aching pain with occasional shooting sensations down the leg.

3. Piriformis Syndrome

The piriformis muscle is a small muscle deep in your buttocks that helps with hip rotation. In some people, the sciatic nerve runs directly beneath or even through this muscle. When it becomes tight or spasms (often from prolonged sitting or overuse), it can compress the nerve — leading to sciatic pain.

This is a common cause of sciatica in runners and desk workers.

4. Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, often due to arthritis or age-related changes. This can put pressure on the spinal nerves, especially when standing or walking.

Symptoms often improve when sitting or leaning forward — a classic sign of stenosis-related sciatica.

How a Chiropractor Helps Relieve Sciatica Naturally

When patients search for a “chiropractor near me for sciatica” in Hopewell Township or Aliquippa, they often come to Skyline Chiropractic and Sports Medicine because we use a multi-approach system that targets both nerve pressure and inflammation — not just pain symptoms.

Here’s how chiropractic care helps fix the root cause of sciatica:

1. Chiropractic Adjustments

Research shows that spinal manipulation is both safe and effective for relieving sciatic pain. Gentle chiropractic adjustments realign the vertebrae, restoring proper spinal motion and reducing irritation of the sciatic nerve. By addressing misalignments in the lumbar spine, chiropractic care can relieve nerve pressure and support the body’s natural healing processes. Many patients notice improved mobility and reduced pain within just a few visits, making chiropractic care a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing sciatica.

2. Spinal Decompression Therapy

If your sciatica is caused by a herniated or bulging disc, spinal decompression is one of the most effective non-surgical options available. This therapy gently stretches the spine, creating negative pressure inside the discs. That negative pressure helps pull the disc material back into place and restores nutrients to the area, promoting healing.

This is a core part of treatment for chronic or recurring sciatica at Skyline Chiropractic.

3. Soft Tissue Therapy

Tight muscles in the lower back, glutes, or piriformis can worsen sciatic nerve compression. We use myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and other manual techniques to relax these muscles and improve circulation. By releasing tension around the nerve, we help restore normal movement and prevent future flare-ups.

4. Corrective Exercise & Stretching

Once the nerve pressure has eased, we teach you customized stretches and stability exercises to strengthen your core and hips. A strong, stable core supports your spine and helps keep discs and joints in proper alignment — reducing the chance of re-injury.

For example, specific piriformis and hamstring stretches can reduce tension on the sciatic nerve and keep it from getting irritated again.

Why Chiropractic Care Works So Well for Sciatica

Unlike pain medication, which only masks symptoms, chiropractic care addresses the underlying cause of nerve irritation. By improving spinal mobility and alignment, reducing inflammation, and restoring movement, chiropractic helps your body heal itself.

Most patients notice:

• Less radiating leg pain

  
  

• Improved flexibility and posture

  
  

• Fewer flare-ups over time

  
  

• Better long-term spinal health

  
  

At Skyline Chiropractic and Sports Medicine, our approach combines a multifaceted approach which may include advanced technology (spinal decompression or shockwave therapy) and hands-on expertise to give you a personalized, evidence-based care plan that actually works — without the risks of surgery or long-term medication use.

When to See a Chiropractor for Sciatica

If your pain has lasted more than a few days or if it’s interfering with daily life, it’s time to get evaluated. You should see a chiropractor immediately if you experience:

• Pain radiating down one leg

  
  

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot

  
  

• Pain that worsens when sitting or standing

  
  

• Difficulty walking due to nerve pain

  
  
  
  

The earlier you address sciatica, the better your chances for full recovery — and the less likely you are to develop chronic nerve irritation.

Find Sciatica Relief in Aliquippa, PA

If you're struggling with lower back and leg pain, Skyline Chiropractic and Sports Medicine is here to help. Located at 2253 Brodhead Road in Aliquippa (serving the greater Hopewell Township area), our office provides comprehensive care. We design customized plans for sciatica, herniated discs, and back pain, helping you get out of pain and back to life.

Take the First Step Toward Relief Today

You don’t have to live with sciatic pain. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, chiropractic care can help restore motion, reduce inflammation, and get you lasting relief — naturally.

👉 Call Skyline Chiropractic and Sports Medicine today at 724-203-0783 or schedule your appointment online to start your recovery.

Let’s fix your sciatica at the source — and help you move pain-free again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if my pain is sciatica or just back pain?

Sciatica usually causes pain that travels down one leg, often below the knee. Regular back pain tends to stay in the lower back area.

Q: Can a chiropractor fix sciatica?

Yes. Chiropractors treat the root cause of sciatica by improving joint motion of the spine, while relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve, and improving muscle tone and flexibility.

Q: How long does it take to feel better with chiropractic care?

Many patients notice relief within a few visits, depending on the cause and severity of sciatic nerve compression.

Q: What’s the best treatment for sciatica in Aliquippa or Hopewell Township?

At Skyline Chiropractic and Sports Medicine, we use a combination of adjustments, decompression, and soft tissue therapy for lasting results.