Sciatica · Overland Park, KS
The Pain in Your Leg Isn't the Problem.
Let's Find What Actually Is.
Sciatica is one of the most misunderstood conditions we see. The shooting pain, numbness, and tingling down your leg are symptoms — not the source. We find the source.
Reviewed by Dr. Eric Phillips, DC — Identity Integrative Health, Overland Park, KS
Schedule Your AssessmentTakes 2 minutes. No commitment.
What's Actually Causing Your Sciatica
The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back through your glutes and down each leg. When something compresses or irritates it — a disc bulge, tight piriformis, joint dysfunction, or postural pattern — you feel it anywhere along that path.
Common causes we identify include lumbar disc involvement, piriformis syndrome, facet joint irritation, hip and pelvic dysfunction, and prolonged sitting patterns. Most people only get treated where it hurts — we look for where it starts.
The most common reason sciatica returns is that only the symptom was treated. Without addressing the root cause, it will keep coming back. Read more about our approach to care.
Common Sources of Sciatic Nerve Pain
How We Treat Sciatica
Comprehensive Assessment
We identify exactly what is driving your sciatica — disc, muscle, joint, or movement pattern — before recommending any treatment.
Chiropractic & Joint Mobilization
Restore motion in the lumbar spine and pelvis to reduce nerve compression and irritation.
Dry Needling & Soft Tissue
Address the piriformis, glutes, and surrounding musculature contributing to nerve compression.
Targeted Rehab
Rebuild hip and core stability so your spine is protected and the nerve is no longer being loaded.
Movement Coaching
Change the sitting, bending, and loading patterns that are recreating the problem.
Common Questions About Sciatica
What does sciatica actually feel like?
Sciatica typically shows up as shooting or burning pain, numbness, or tingling that travels from your lower back or glute down the back of one leg — sometimes all the way to the foot. It can range from a mild ache to sharp, electric pain that makes sitting or walking difficult.
Is sciatica caused by a disc problem?
Sometimes, but not always. A disc bulge or herniation is one common cause, but sciatic nerve irritation can also come from piriformis syndrome, facet joint dysfunction, or pelvic misalignment. A thorough assessment is what actually tells us which one applies to you — guessing based on symptoms alone isn't reliable.
Will sciatica go away on its own?
Mild cases sometimes settle down temporarily with rest, but if the underlying cause — a disc issue, tight piriformis, or joint dysfunction — isn't addressed, it commonly returns. That's the cycle most people get stuck in.
Should I stop exercising if I have sciatica?
Not necessarily — the right movement is usually part of the solution, not something to avoid entirely. The key is knowing which movements to modify and which to keep doing, which is exactly what a proper assessment identifies.
How is sciatica treatment different at Identity?
We don't treat 'sciatica' as a generic diagnosis. We find the specific structure — disc, piriformis, joint, or a combination — that's compressing or irritating the nerve in your case, and build your plan around that, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Have a different question? See our full FAQ or contact us directly.
★★★★★
“After visiting several chiropractors with little progress, I finally found real results. Eric took the time to understand what was going on and built a plan that actually worked. The entire team is focused on long-term improvement, not quick fixes.”
— Austin Boyd
Done Chasing the Pain?
Come in for a real assessment. We'll find what's actually causing your sciatica and build a plan to fix it — not manage it.
Schedule Your First VisitTakes 2 minutes. No commitment.