Is It Sciatica or Just Back Pain? How to Tell the Difference and Find Relief in Leland, NC
If you’ve ever experienced a sharp, shooting pain that travels from your lower back down your leg, you’re not alone. This type of pain affects millions of Americans each year, and it’s often more than just typical back pain—it could be sciatica.
At Waves of Wellness Chiropractic in Leland, North Carolina, Dr. Megan Tomberlin helps patients understand the difference between sciatica and other types of back pain, providing targeted treatments that address the root cause of your discomfort.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica isn’t actually a condition itself—it’s a term that describes symptoms caused when your sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body, starting in your lower back and running through your hips, buttocks, and down the back of each leg.
When pressure is placed on this nerve, it can cause:
- Sharp, shooting pain that travels down your leg
- Tingling or numbness in your leg or foot
- Muscle weakness in the affected leg
- Burning sensations
- Pain that worsens when sitting, coughing, or sneezing
Sciatica vs. Regular Back Pain: Key Differences
| Sciatica Pain | Regular Back Pain |
|---|---|
| Travels down one leg, often to the foot | Usually stays localized in the back |
| Sharp, shooting, or burning sensation | Dull ache or stiffness |
| May include tingling or numbness | Typically just muscle soreness |
| Often worse when sitting | May improve with rest |
| Can cause muscle weakness | Usually doesn’t affect muscle strength |
Quick Self-Assessment: Could You Have Sciatica?
Ask yourself these questions to help determine if your pain might be sciatica:
✓ Is your pain mostly on one side of your body?
✓ Does the pain run from your lower back into your buttocks and down your leg?
✓ Are you experiencing tingling, burning, or numbness (not just muscle tightness)?
✓ Does sitting for extended periods make the pain worse?
✓ Do you feel pain when coughing, sneezing, or straining?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, there’s a good chance your sciatic nerve is involved in your pain.
Common Causes of Sciatica
Understanding what might be causing your sciatica can help guide your treatment approach:
- Herniated or bulging discs (most common cause)
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Piriformis syndrome (tight muscle pressing on the nerve)
- Spondylolisthesis (one vertebra sliding over another)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Pregnancy-related changes
When to Seek Professional Help
While some mild back pain may resolve on its own, sciatica often requires professional intervention. Don’t wait if you’re experiencing:
- Pain that has lasted more than a week
- Symptoms that keep returning
- Pain that interferes with sleep, walking, or work
- Progressive muscle weakness
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (seek immediate medical attention)
- Severe pain following an injury
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Your Sciatica
At Waves of Wellness Chiropractic, Dr. Tomberlin takes a comprehensive approach to treating sciatica by addressing the underlying cause, not just masking the symptoms. Treatment may include:
Gentle Chiropractic Adjustments
Precise spinal adjustments help restore proper alignment and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
This technique gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on compressed nerves and discs.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Targeted massage and muscle work help reduce tension in surrounding muscles that may be contributing to nerve compression.
Specific Therapeutic Exercises
Customized exercise programs help strengthen supporting muscles and prevent future flare-ups.
Lifestyle and Ergonomic Guidance
Learn proper posture, movement patterns, and workplace modifications to support your recovery.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When you visit Waves of Wellness Chiropractic for sciatica treatment, here’s what you can expect:
1. Comprehensive Consultation
Dr. Tomberlin will discuss your pain patterns, medical history, and how your symptoms are affecting your daily life.
2. Thorough Physical Examination
A complete evaluation of your movement, posture, and neurological function helps identify the exact cause of your sciatica.
3. Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on your specific condition and goals, a customized treatment plan is created just for you.
4. Ongoing Support and Education
You’ll receive guidance on home exercises, lifestyle modifications, and prevention strategies.
Recovery Timeline: What You Can Expect
Every patient’s journey is unique, but here’s what many of our sciatica patients experience:
- First Few Visits: Many patients begin feeling some relief within the first few treatments
- 2-4 Weeks: Significant improvement in pain and function for most patients
- 4-8 Weeks: Continued healing and strengthening to prevent future episodes
- Ongoing: Maintenance care and prevention strategies to keep you pain-free
Why Choose Waves of Wellness Chiropractic?
Dr. Megan Tomberlin brings years of experience and a patient-centered approach to sciatica treatment in Leland, NC. Our practice focuses on:
- Individualized Care: Every treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs and goals
- Evidence-Based Treatments: We use proven techniques backed by research
- Comprehensive Approach: Addressing both symptoms and underlying causes
- Patient Education: Empowering you with knowledge to prevent future problems
- Compassionate Care: Understanding that chronic pain affects every aspect of your life
Take the First Step Toward Relief
You don’t have to live with sciatica pain or spend time guessing what’s wrong. The sooner you address the root cause of your symptoms, the sooner you can get back to enjoying the activities you love.
If you’re in the Leland area and ready to stop guessing and start feeling better, we’re here to help.
Ready to schedule? Call our friendly front desk team to book an appointment. Your journey to pain-free living starts with that first step.
Contact Waves of Wellness Chiropractic today:
📞 Phone: (910) 859-8359
Dr. Megan Tomberlin is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic serving the Leland, North Carolina community. Learn more about Dr. Tomberlin’s background and approach to patient care at wavesofwellnesschiro.com/dr-megan-tomberlin-dc/.