SCIATICA TREATMENT IN GREENVILLE, SC

Reviewed by Dr. Michael Nelson, DC, MHRD, ATC, chiropractor and certified athletic trainer · Last updated November 2026

Sciatica is pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, from the low back or buttock down the back of the leg, often with tingling, numbness or weakness. It's a symptom rather than a diagnosis, most often caused by an irritated nerve root from a disc problem or narrowing in the low back. At Carolina Active Health Chiropractic in downtown Greenville, SC, we find the source and build a plan to calm the nerve and get you moving again.

A nerve-mobility exercise our doctors often use. Check with your provider before starting new exercises.

Common sciatica symptoms

• Pain that shoots from the low back or buttock down the back of one leg
• Burning, tingling or "pins and needles" in the leg or foot
• Numbness or weakness in the leg or foot
• Pain that's worse with sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing
• Low back pain alongside the leg symptoms (though not always)

What causes sciatica?

The most common cause is a disc bulge or herniation that irritates a nerve root in the low back. Other causes include narrowing of the spaces the nerves pass through (stenosis), joint irritation and, less often, tight muscles in the buttock pressing on the nerve. Finding the actual source matters, because it changes which treatment and exercises will help.

How we treat sciatica

Your first visit includes a thorough history and exam, including nerve testing of strength, sensation and reflexes. We take X-rays in our office when they're clinically indicated and coordinate with other providers when advanced imaging or medical care is needed. Depending on what we find, your plan may include:

• gentle chiropractic care for the low back and pelvis,
• movement-based exercises that reduce leg symptoms, including McKenzie-style approaches,
• nerve mobility exercises,
• traction on our traction table when appropriate,
• laser therapy for pain and inflammation, and
• a progressive rehab program to rebuild core and hip strength.

For most people with sciatica, staying gently active is better than bed rest. We'll show you which positions and movements ease your symptoms and which to avoid for now.

Sciatica FAQs

What's the difference between sciatica and back pain?

Back pain stays mostly in the low back. Sciatica travels down the leg along the sciatic nerve, often with tingling or numbness, and the leg pain can be worse than the back pain.

Should I rest or stay active with sciatica?

For most people, gentle activity within comfortable limits helps more than bed rest. Short walks and the right exercises often ease symptoms, while long periods of sitting tend to make them worse.

When is sciatica an emergency?

Go to the ER right away if you have new bladder or bowel problems, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or leg weakness that's getting worse. These can be signs of serious nerve compression.

Do I need an MRI for sciatica?

Most people don't need an MRI right away. Imaging is usually reserved for severe or worsening nerve symptoms, red-flag signs, or symptoms that aren't improving with care. We'll tell you if you need one and help coordinate it.

Why does sitting make my sciatica worse?

Sitting increases pressure on the discs in the low back and can keep an irritated nerve under tension. Changing positions often and taking short walking breaks usually helps.

Related reading

• What is a herniated disc?
• Low back pain treatment

General information only, not a diagnosis. If you have emergency warning signs, call 911. Individual results vary. Carolina Active Health Chiropractic · 800 E Washington St, Ste B, Greenville, SC.