Sciatica & Pinched Nerves

What is sciatica and a pinched nerve?

Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that develops when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed. This nerve runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg, which is why symptoms often travel along this pathway.

A “pinched nerve,” or radiculopathy, occurs when pressure is placed on a nerve root in the neck or lower back. This may lead to pain, numbness, tingling or weakness that radiates into the arms or legs.

These conditions are closely related and often stem from nerve compression, which can affect how nerves function and transmit signals.

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A diagram showing the sciatic nerve, areas of pain in the leg, and a close-up of a compressed spinal nerve.

Understanding nerve compression

The nerves that send signals between your brain and body are protected by your spine. Nerve roots exit the spinal cord through small openings between the vertebrae.

Nerve compression happens when a nerve root becomes irritated or squeezed as it exits the spine. This can trigger pain that radiates beyond the original area, such as down one leg or into an arm. In the lower back, this commonly affects the sciatic nerve, leading to pain that travels down one leg.

Overview

Symptoms

Symptoms of sciatica and pinched nerves are different depending on which nerve is affected and how much it is compressed. Common symptoms include:

Sharp, burning or electric-like pain in the lower back, buttock, leg or arm
Pain that radiates down one side of the body
Tingling, numbness or “pins and needles” sensations
Muscle weakness or difficulty lifting or moving the affected limb
Worsening pain with sitting, bending, coughing or twisting

Causes

Sciatica and pinched nerves are often caused by conditions that affect the spine or surrounding muscles and include:

Herniated or bulging discs
Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal
Degenerative changes in the spine over time
Muscle inflammation or tightness, such as in the lower back or hips
Injury, repetitive strain or poor posture

Diagnosis

Our spinal specialists begin with a detailed review of your symptoms, medical history and activity level to assess possible causes of pain. They will also conduct a thorough physical examination focused on strength, reflexes, posture, flexibility and nerve function.

They will evaluate how your symptoms affect movement, sensation and daily activities to better understand the source of pain, numbness or weakness.

If needed, advanced imaging such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans may be recommended to identify the exact location and cause of nerve compression and build a personalized treatment plan designed to relieve pain, improve mobility and support long-term spine health.

Why treatment matters

For many people, sciatica and pinched nerves improve over time. However, ongoing nerve compression can significantly affect mobility, sleep and daily activities so early evaluation and treatment can help identify a cause and prevent symptoms from getting worse.

Many cases can be treated more conservatively with options including:

Activity modification and short-term rest during flare-ups
Physical therapy to improve flexibility, posture and core strength
Anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers
Heat and ice therapy to reduce pain and muscle tension
Image-guided steroid injections in select cases

If your symptoms are severe or don’t respond to nonsurgical treatments, your doctor may recommend minimally invasive spine procedures to relieve pressure on the affected nerve.

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We offer leading-edge treatments for most spine and back conditions, including medications, bracing, injections, therapy and when needed, surgical options.

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