What Is Sciatica and Why Does It Hurt So Much?

If you’ve ever felt a sharp, radiating pain that starts in your lower back and shoots down your leg—you might be dealing with sciatica.

It’s a condition that affects millions, but many people don’t realize how treatable it is—without relying solely on medications or surgery.

At Orlando City Health and Wellness, we see sciatica cases every day. Whether you're a busy parent, a golfer, or someone recovering from a car accident, this pain can be disruptive—but it’s not something you have to “just live with.”

What Exactly Is Sciatica?

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

Symptoms may include:

  • Burning or shooting pain down one leg

  • Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot

  • Weakness in the leg or trouble standing

  • Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing

What Causes It?

The most common causes we see in our clinic include:

  • Herniated discs or bulging discs

  • Spinal misalignments

  • Muscle spasms in the piriformis

  • Postural imbalances

  • Auto accident injuries

  • Pregnancy-related pressure on the lower back

How We Treat Sciatica at Orlando City Health

We take a non-invasive, whole-body approach:

  • Chiropractic adjustments to relieve nerve pressure

  • Physical therapy to strengthen the core and stabilize the spine

  • Shockwave therapy or massage to release muscle tension

  • Decompression techniques to create space around the nerve

We personalize every treatment plan based on your symptoms and lifestyle.

Don’t Let Sciatica Rule Your Life

You deserve relief—and with the right care, you can get back to doing what you love. If you're in the Orlando, Winter Park, or Baldwin Park area, we’re here to help.

👉 Book an appointment today and let’s get to the root of your sciatic pain.

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