How Do You Treat Sciatica?
The key to treating sciatica is finding where the sciatic nerve is compressed. You need to identify the exact compression site for effective treatment.
Where the Sciatic Nerve Can Be Compressed
The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back, passes through the buttock, and descends to the leg. It can be compressed anywhere along this path.
Lower Back (Lumbar Spine)
Nerve root compression from disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or foraminal stenosis
Buttock (Piriformis)
Piriformis muscle swelling or tension compressing the sciatic nerve passing beneath it
Gluteal Muscles & Fascia
Buttock muscles or surrounding fascia swelling and compressing the nerve pathway
Thigh
Compression between hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh
Even If MRI Shows a Disc
Just because MRI shows a disc doesn’t guarantee it’s the pain source. It may actually be compressed elsewhere. You need to find the compression site directly.
How Do You Find the Compression Site?
Thorough Physical Examination
We trace the nerve pathway and check where pressing reproduces symptoms.
Muscle Response Testing
If tingling is felt elsewhere during testing, it signals that muscle is compressing the nerve.
Sciatica Is a Symptom, Not a Diagnosis
Sciatica describes the symptom of “radiating pain from buttock to leg.” You need to find and treat the compression site for effective results.
Resolve Sciatica with Circulation Therapy
- Circulation HD: Release adhesions around nerve, relax piriformis
- Circulation PT: Stabilize lower back/pelvis, correct movement patterns