Leg pain? What if it's sciatica?

What is sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain caused by an irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, often at its root in the lower back. It is more common after the age of 40.

Attention: not all lower back or leg pains are necessarily sciatica. A proper diagnosis is essential.

Common symptoms

• Tingling or pins and needles down the leg to the foot
• Shooting pains or burning sensations radiating from the buttock to the foot
• Electric shocks in the leg
• Muscle weakness, sometimes leading to foot drop (limping)

The sciatic nerve, a giant of the nervous system

The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest in the human body. It originates between the lumbar vertebrae and the sacrum, passes through the buttock, goes down behind the leg, and divides at the knee to innervate the calf and the foot.

What are the causes of a pinched sciatic nerve?

• Lumbar disc herniation (primary cause in 90% of cases)
• Osteoarthritis and bone spurs (osteophytes)
• Muscle tensions, particularly in the piriformis muscle in the buttock

Symptoms are often worsened by:

• The movements of the lower back
• Coughing or straining to have a bowel movement

Osteopathy: a holistic approach to relieving sciatica

The osteopath assesses the entire body to:

• Mobilize the lumbar vertebrae and the sacroiliac joints
• Reduce muscle tension around the nerve
• Release the sciatic nerve pathway from any constraint

Each treatment is personalized to reduce pain, restore mobility and improve your quality of life.

Need relief?

Our osteopaths welcome you even on Saturday, at Charlemagne and LaSalle.

Make an appointment now.
The sooner we take action, the quicker you will regain your comfort.

Sources

1. Davis et al. Sciatica, StatPearls, 2024
2. Koes et al. Diagnosis and treatment of sciatica, BMJ, 2007
3. Nori & Stretanski. Foot Drop, StatPearls, 2025