Sciatica is more than just low back pain. It's the sharp, burning, or radiating pain that travels from the low back down through the hip and leg, sometimes reaching all the way to the foot.
Dr. George Perez treats sciatica patients throughout Pearland, Shadow Creek, Manvel, and the surrounding area, focusing on relieving the nerve compression causing the pain rather than just managing symptoms as they flare up.
What Causes Sciatica
Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body, becomes compressed or irritated, most often by a herniated or bulging disc, a tight piriformis muscle, or a joint restriction in the low back or hip. The pain, numbness, or tingling you feel down the leg is a symptom of that underlying compression, not the actual source of the problem, which is why chasing the pain itself rarely provides lasting relief.
How It's Treated
Treatment starts with a thorough exam to determine exactly what's compressing the nerve and where. From there, care often includes chiropractic adjustments to restore proper motion in the low back and hip, spinal decompression to relieve pressure on a compressed disc, and soft tissue work or dry needling to release tight muscles contributing to the irritation. Therapeutic exercise is frequently added to build the strength and stability that helps keep sciatica from returning.
Signs You May Be Dealing with Sciatica
Sciatica typically presents as pain that runs from the low back or buttock down the back of the leg, often on just one side. It may come with numbness, tingling, or a feeling of weakness in the leg or foot, and can range from a dull ache to a sharp, shooting pain that makes it difficult to sit, stand, or walk comfortably.
Who This Helps
Sciatica affects people of all activity levels, from desk workers dealing with prolonged sitting to athletes managing overuse or injury. Whatever the cause, the goal is the same: relieve the pressure on the nerve and build a plan that keeps it from coming back.