Understanding Sciatica: Signs, Treatments, and How Spinal Decompression Can Help

If you’ve ever felt a sharp or burning pain running from your lower back down through your leg, you’re not alone—and you might be dealing with sciatica. It’s one of the most common causes of back pain in adults, and it can seriously interfere with your daily life. The good news? Relief is possible—often without surgery.

At Cherry Health Center in Springfield, MO, we specialize in treating sciatica through non-invasive, holistic approaches like spinal decompression therapy. Let’s break down what sciatica really is, how to recognize it, and what treatments can help.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica isn’t actually a condition—it’s a symptom. It refers to pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. This nerve starts in the lower back and runs down the back of each leg.

When this nerve gets pinched—often due to a herniated disc, spinal misalignment, or muscle tightness—it can lead to:

• Sharp, shooting pain from your lower back to your leg

• Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot

• Muscle weakness

• Pain that worsens when sitting, sneezing, or coughing

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica can be triggered by several conditions, including:

• Herniated or bulging discs

• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine)

• Degenerative disc disease

• Piriformis syndrome (tightness in the buttock muscles)

• Poor posture or prolonged sitting

Common Sciatica Treatments

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but sciatica treatment usually starts with conservative, non-invasive options. At Cherry Health Center, we offer:

✅ Chiropractic Adjustments

Realigning the spine can relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and improve mobility.

✅ Physical Therapy

Targeted exercises and manual therapy help strengthen muscles, improve posture, and reduce inflammation.

✅ Massage Therapy

Sports massage and manual therapy can ease muscle tension contributing to sciatic pain.

✅ Lifestyle Coaching

We help you create healthy habits to prevent flare-ups and support long-term healing.

How Spinal Decompression Can Help

Spinal decompression therapy is a gentle, non-surgical treatment that stretches the spine in a controlled way. This helps:

• Relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve

• Improve blood flow and nutrient exchange to injured discs

• Promote healing and reduce inflammation

Many of our patients in Springfield have found spinal decompression therapy to be a game-changer for their sciatica pain—especially when other treatments haven’t provided lasting relief.

When to See a Professional

If your pain lasts more than a few days, gets worse with time, or interferes with daily life, it’s time to seek help. You don’t have to live with the pain—or rely on medication to manage it.

✅ Call to Action:

Think you might have sciatica? Let’s find out together. Book your consultation at Cherry Health Center and discover your path to pain relief. Schedule Now or call (417) 413-5900.