Dealing with Back Pain or Sciatica? Here's What Might Be Going On (and How We Can Help)
Back pain is one of those things that seems to sneak up on just about everyone at some point. Maybe it started with a dull ache after sitting too long, or perhaps you felt a sharp jolt while lifting something the wrong way. And if that pain starts radiating down your leg, it could be more than just muscle tightness—it might be sciatica.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. At our clinic, we see people every week who are dealing with everything from chronic lower back stiffness to intense sciatic nerve pain that makes walking, standing, or even sleeping uncomfortable. The good news? You don’t have to live with it. Let’s talk about what’s really going on and how we approach back pain and sciatica treatment.
What Is Sciatica, Exactly?
Sciatica isn’t just regular back pain—it’s a specific kind of discomfort that happens when the sciatic nerve (the largest nerve in your body) gets irritated or compressed. This nerve starts in your lower back and runs all the way down the back of each leg. So when it’s under pressure, you might feel pain that shoots through your buttock and down your leg, often on just one side.
But here’s the thing: sciatica doesn’t always feel the same for everyone. Some people describe it as a burning sensation. Others say it feels like electric shocks, tingling, or even numbness. It can come and go or stick around for days or weeks.
So What Causes It?
There are a few usual suspects when it comes to sciatic pain:
- Herniated or bulging discs are one of the most common causes. When one of the discs between your vertebrae slips out of place, it can press on the sciatic nerve.
- Spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal) can also crowd the nerve, especially as we get older.
- Bone spurs—those little overgrowths of bone that develop over time—can irritate nearby nerves.
Lifestyle factors like sitting for long periods, lifting heavy things improperly, carrying extra weight, or even just poor posture can add up over time and contribute to back issues and sciatica.
What Are the Symptoms to Watch For?
You might be dealing with more than just “regular” back pain if you’re noticing:
- Pain in your lower back that radiates down your leg
- Numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles feeling in your legs or feet
- Weakness in your leg or foot that makes walking more difficult
- A deep ache or burning sensation that won’t go away, especially when sitting or standing for long periods
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth having a conversation—because the sooner we address it, the sooner you can get back to doing the things you enjoy.
How We Help at Nolensville Chiropractic
When you come in with back pain or symptoms of sciatica, we start by digging deep to find the root of the issue. We’ll talk through your health history, do a physical exam, and may use digital imaging if necessary to see exactly what’s going on inside.
Once we know what’s causing your discomfort, we’ll build a care plan tailored to you. That might include:
- Gentle spinal adjustments to help realign the vertebrae and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve
- Spinal decompression therapy to stretch and relieve tension in the spine, especially helpful for herniated discs
- Laser therapy to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process at the cellular level
- E-Stim (muscle stimulation) to calm spasms and improve muscle tone around the injured area
- Mechanical traction to improve mobility and reduce stiffness
Every person’s body is different, which is why your care plan is built specifically around your needs, your pain level, and your goals.
You Don’t Have to Power Through the Pain
We hear this all the time: “I thought it would just go away” or “I figured it was just part of getting older.” But pain isn’t something you have to settle for. Especially not when there are safe, non-invasive options that can help you feel better, move easier, and get back to doing what you love.

Whether your back pain just started or it’s been a long-term struggle, we’re here to help. Let’s take the first step together—because relief might be closer than you think.









