If pain starts in your lower back or buttock and travels into one leg, sciatica may be part of the problem. At Better Chiropractic in Gilbert, AZ, we evaluate the pattern of your symptoms, strength, mobility and movement so we can determine whether conservative care is appropriate—or whether you should be referred for additional medical evaluation.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica describes symptoms related to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or the nerve roots that form it. Symptoms often affect one side and may include pain that travels from the low back or buttock into the thigh, calf or foot, along with numbness, tingling or weakness.

Sciatica is a symptom, not a single diagnosis. A herniated or bulging disc, age-related changes, spinal stenosis and other conditions can produce similar nerve-related symptoms. That is why a careful evaluation matters before deciding on treatment.

Common Sciatica Symptoms

  • Low back or buttock pain that travels down one leg
  • Burning, electric, sharp or shooting leg pain
  • Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
  • Symptoms that change with sitting, bending, coughing or certain movements
  • Leg or foot weakness in some cases

If your symptoms are mostly in the low back without radiating leg symptoms, see our Back Pain page. If a disc problem is suspected, our Herniated Disc page explains that condition in more detail.

How We Evaluate Sciatica at Better Chiropractic

Your first visit is designed to answer two questions: what is most likely driving your symptoms, and what is the safest next step?

Depending on your presentation, Dr. Brennan Bates may assess spinal and hip motion, neurologic findings such as strength and sensation, functional movement, symptom-provoking positions and relevant orthopedic findings. Imaging is not automatically necessary for every case. If your examination or history suggests that imaging, medical treatment or specialist evaluation is appropriate, we will discuss referral options.

Conservative Care for Sciatica in Gilbert

There is no one-size-fits-all sciatica treatment. When examination findings support conservative care, your plan may include a combination of:

Our goal is not to promise a “quick fix.” It is to identify the factors that can reasonably be addressed, monitor how you respond, and help you move toward the activities that matter to you.

When Sciatica Needs Urgent Medical Attention

Some symptoms should not wait for a routine chiropractic visit. Seek urgent or emergency medical care for new loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness in the groin or saddle area, severe or rapidly progressing leg weakness, or major symptoms following significant trauma. These can indicate a condition requiring immediate medical evaluation.

Why Active Adults Choose Better Chiropractic

Better Chiropractic serves Gilbert and surrounding East Valley communities with a sports- and movement-focused approach. Dr. Brennan Bates is a Board Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Care is individualized to the findings of your examination and your goals—whether you want to sit comfortably at work, train again, play pickleball, run, golf or simply get through daily life with less limitation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica

Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?

Some people with sciatica-like symptoms may be appropriate for conservative chiropractic and rehabilitation care, while others need medical evaluation or a different treatment approach. The right choice depends on the cause of the symptoms and your examination findings.

Do I need an MRI before being evaluated?

Not necessarily. Many people with low back and radiating leg symptoms do not need immediate imaging. Your history and examination help determine whether imaging or referral is appropriate.

How long does sciatica take to improve?

Recovery time varies with the underlying cause, symptom severity, duration and individual health factors. We do not use a predetermined timeline; we monitor your response and adjust recommendations accordingly.

Can I stay active with sciatica?

Often, activity can be modified rather than completely stopped, but the safest level of activity depends on your symptoms and neurologic findings. We can help you identify movements to continue, modify or temporarily avoid.

Schedule a Sciatica Evaluation in Gilbert, AZ

If leg pain, tingling or numbness is keeping you from work, exercise or everyday activities, schedule an evaluation at Better Chiropractic. We will assess your symptoms and help you understand the most appropriate next step.

Schedule Your Evaluation Online or call 480-802-0692.

Patient education reference: MedlinePlus — Sciatica. This page is for general educational information and does not replace an individual examination or medical diagnosis.