Sciatica & Radiculopathy
That searing, burning pain shooting down your leg isn't just "back pain." It's nerve pain and the source is almost never where it hurts. We find where compression or irritation is actually happening and treat that.
True sciatica vs. referred pain, it matters.
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body, running from your lower spine through your glutes and down each leg. When it's compressed or irritated usually from a disc bulge, bone spur, or tight piriformis muscle you get the burning, shooting, or tingling pain known as sciatica.
But here's what most people don't know: a large percentage of "sciatica" cases are actually referred pain from tight glute and hip muscles, or from a restricted SI joint not true nerve compression at all. The treatments are different. Getting the diagnosis wrong means months of the wrong care.
We use the SFMA to distinguish between the two so the plan we build is actually designed for what's driving your symptoms.
When to seek care quickly
If you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or progressive weakness in the leg. Seek EMERGENCY care immediately. These are rare but serious signs of cauda equina syndrome.
The ADAPT approach to sciatica
Because the source matters, we always assess before we treat. Once we know whether we're dealing with true nerve compression or muscular referral, we build a targeted plan.
Differential assessment
SFMA plus orthopaedic testing to distinguish nerve compression from referred pain.
Targeted decompression
Adjustments and soft tissue work aimed at the actual source — not just where it radiates.
Neural tension release
Nerve flossing and mobility work to restore normal nerve movement through the tissues.
Stability & load tolerance
Build the hip and core strength that keeps the nerve unpinched long-term.
Related conditions we treat
Leg pain that won't quit? Let's find the actual cause.
Book your movement assessment in Coeur d'Alene — we'll tell you exactly what's driving it and what it takes to fix it.
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