What is sciatica?
Sciatica is pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates along the sciatic nerve pathway, typically caused by compression or irritation in the lower spine or pelvis.
The sciatic nerve runs from the lower spine through the buttocks and down each leg to the feet. When this nerve is compressed or irritated, it triggers pain that usually radiates from the lower back or hip down one leg. The discomfort ranges from mild numbness and tingling to sharp, burning pain that can make sitting, walking, or bending difficult.
Common causes include herniated discs in the lumbar spine, piriformis syndrome (where the piriformis muscle pinches the nerve), misalignment of vertebrae, or bone spurs. Sciatic pain often worsens with prolonged sitting, certain movements, or pressure on the affected area. It typically affects only one side of the body.
Sciatica is one of the most frequent conditions clients report to chiropractic clinics in the Klang Valley. The prevalence reflects modern lifestyle factors: desk work, prolonged vehicle commutes, and postural strain common to the region. Because symptoms can persist for weeks or months without attention, many people seek chiropractic care once over-the-counter remedies fail. Chiropractors assess spinal alignment and nerve compression as potential sources, making sciatica a core presenting complaint in practice.