Low back and leg condition · Canton, OH
Sciatica treatment in Canton, OH
Sciatica is pain that travels from the low back or buttock down one leg, caused by pressure or irritation on the sciatic nerve. At Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Canton, OH, we start with a full exam to find the source of your leg pain and walk you through non-surgical care options.
Reviewed by Dr. Brent Ungar, DC · Last reviewed [date]
- 40+ years in practice in Canton
- Over 300 five-star reviews
- No referral needed
Sciatica at a glance
| Also called | Lumbar radiculopathy, pinched sciatic nerve |
|---|---|
| Body area | Low back, buttock and the back or side of one leg |
| Nerve involved | Sciatic nerve (formed by nerve roots in the low back) |
| Common symptoms | Shooting or burning leg pain, numbness, tingling, leg weakness |
| Common causes | Herniated or bulging disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc changes |
| How we evaluate | Health history, physical and neurological exam, imaging if needed |
| Care options | Chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, physical rehabilitation, home exercise |
| Referral needed? | No referral needed |
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a set of symptoms, not a diagnosis on its own. It happens when something in the low back presses on or irritates the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve, sending pain, tingling or numbness along the nerve’s path into the leg.
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It runs from the low back, through the buttock and down the back of each leg to the foot.
Because many problems can cause it, finding the source is the first step. That is why care starts with a full exam.
Sciatica symptoms and causes
What does sciatica feel like?
Symptoms usually affect one side and can range from mild to sharp.
- Pain that shoots from the low back or buttock down one leg
- Burning, electric or aching pain along the back of the thigh or calf
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Weakness when lifting the foot or standing on the toes
- Pain that gets worse when sitting, coughing or sneezing
- Leg pain that feels worse than the back pain
What causes sciatica?
Anything that crowds or irritates the nerve roots in the low back can cause it.
- Herniated or bulging disc
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis (a vertebra slipping forward)
- Low back joints that are stiff or not moving well
- Tight or irritated muscles in the buttock
- Risk factors: age-related spine changes, long hours sitting, heavy lifting, pregnancy
Is it sciatica or something else?
Other problems can cause pain in the buttock or leg. Your exam helps tell them apart.
| Feature | Sciatica | Piriformis syndrome | Hip joint problem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it hurts | Low back or buttock, down the leg, often below the knee | Deep in the buttock, sometimes down the back of the thigh | Groin, front or side of the hip |
| Other signs | Numbness, tingling or weakness in the leg or foot | Tenderness in the buttock muscle | Stiffness, trouble putting on shoes or socks |
| Often worse with | Sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing | Sitting for long periods, climbing stairs | Walking, standing up, turning the hip |
Get emergency care right away if
- You lose control of your bladder or bowels
- You have numbness in the groin, inner thighs or buttocks
- Weakness in one or both legs is getting worse
- Pain started after a major fall or car crash
- You also have a fever or unexplained weight loss
What to expect at our Canton office
Our typical process involves:
- Obtaining a thorough history of the problem and health history of the patient
- Performing a complete examination of the patient
- Obtaining any diagnostic tests (if necessary) to better understand the problem
- Discussing the diagnosis with you
- Reviewing the findings and treatment options with you
Every case is different and results vary.
Your first visit for leg pain
Before
Wear comfortable clothes. Bring any imaging reports and a list of medications.
During
We ask where the pain travels and what makes it worse, then check your reflexes, strength, sensation and movement.
After
We explain what we found and the options that fit, so you can decide how to move forward.
Sciatica care options in Canton
Every care plan depends on your exam. Options your provider may recommend include:
- Chiropractic adjustments Gentle, targeted movement to improve how the low back and pelvis move.
- Spinal decompression Slow, computer-guided stretch that may lower pressure on a disc and nerve.
- Physical rehabilitation Guided exercises to build core and hip strength and support the spine.
- Home exercise and posture guidance Stretches and daily habits to help you stay active between visits.
If conservative care is not enough, your provider can talk with you about other options, such as injections or a surgical consult, and coordinate with your physician.
Not sure what is causing your leg pain?
Your sciatica care team
Dr. Brent Ungar, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician | Laser Therapy Educator
Dr. Anthony Gatelaro, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Over 30 Years of Experience
Sciatica questions we hear in Canton
Many people with sciatica improve with conservative care such as chiropractic adjustments, exercise and activity changes. Some people need injections or a surgical consult. Your exam helps show which path fits your situation, and we refer you to a physician when other care is the better choice.
It varies by cause and by person. Your provider sets a plan after your exam and reviews your progress along the way.
Chiropractic care is a common conservative option for sciatica. We review your history and exam first and refer you to a physician if we find signs that need other care.
Gentle activity is usually better than long bed rest. Short walks and easy movement often help, while heavy lifting and long periods of sitting may make symptoms worse. Your provider can show you which movements to do and which to avoid for now.
Yes. A herniated or bulging disc in the low back is one of the most common causes of sciatica. The disc can press on or irritate a nearby nerve root, sending pain, tingling or numbness down the leg. Your exam, and imaging if needed, help show whether a disc is involved.
No referral needed. Imaging is ordered only if your exam shows it is needed.
Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center treats sciatica at 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, in Canton, near North Canton, Massillon and the Belden Village area.
Visit our Canton office
- Address
- 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, Canton, OH 44718
- Phone
- 330-493-0009
- Hours
- Mon–Thu: Dr. Ungar 7:45 a.m.–6 p.m.
Mon–Thu: Dr. Gatelaro 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Fri–Sun: Closed - Parking
- Free on-site parking
Patients visit us from Canton, North Canton and across Stark County.
Find out what is behind your leg pain
Start with a full exam and a clear talk about your options. Call 330-493-0009 or send a request.