What Exactly Is Sciatica?
Sciatica isn’t a diagnosis; it’s a set of symptoms caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve—the body’s longest nerve—usually where it exits the lower spine. Typical culprits:
- Lumbar disc bulge or herniation
- Piriformis syndrome (tight hip rotator compresses the nerve)
- Spinal stenosis or arthritic changes
- Poor core stability and faulty movement patterns
Left unchecked, sciatica can evolve from an occasional “zap” into chronic pain that limits work, sport, and sleep.
Why Sciatica Lingers—and Comes Back
- Inflammation never fully calms because the root cause isn’t addressed.
- Scar tissue and muscle guarding restrict normal nerve glide.
- Core stability deficits leave the lumbar spine unprotected during daily movements.
At Highland Spine and Sport we call this the “triple threat.” Our job is to break all three links.
The Highland Approach: Evaluate → Eliminate → Elevate ™
- Evaluate – Detailed movement screening, orthopedic tests, and functional palpation identify your unique pain driver.
- Eliminate – Precise chiropractic adjustments, Active Release Techniques® (ART), dry needling, and IASTM calm nerve irritation fast.
- Elevate – Customized rehab drills hard‑wire stability, so you can lift, run, and sit without fear of flare‑ups.
At‑Home Tips While You Heal
- 90/90 Breathing with Back Support – resets pelvic position and reduces disc pressure.
- Figure‑4 Stretch (30 s each side, 3 x/day) – opens the piriformis.
- Nerve Flossing Slides – gentle, pain‑free leg extensions that restore normal sciatic nerve glide.\\
- Cobra Stretch: Gently pressing the back into extension can relieve sciatic pain.
Stop any drill that increases pain and get evaluated.
When to Call a Sciatica‑Savvy Chiropractor in Roanoke
- Pain lasting > 7 days or getting worse
- Tingling/numbness below the knee
- Recurring episodes that limit you from being as active, social, and available as you would like to be.
Early intervention means quicker recovery and fewer office visits.
Ready to Reach Greater Heights?
Imagine waking up, tying your shoes, and hitting the Greenway pain‑free. Book your appointment at Highland Spine and Sport today—online scheduling takes < 5 minutes.
