Understand what you’re feeling.
Sciatica can involve pain, tingling, or numbness that travels through the buttock and down a leg. It is associated with irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. An examination helps distinguish it from other causes of leg pain.
Bring the whole picture.
Note where symptoms travel, when they began, and what changes them. Tell your clinician about numbness, weakness, previous injuries, and any treatment you have already tried. Bring relevant medical records if available.
Discuss care before choosing treatment.
Ask whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your findings, what alternatives are available, and when referral is needed. Research on spinal manipulation for sciatica has limitations; it should not be presented as a guaranteed solution.
Learn more: NHS: Sciatica · NIH: Spinal manipulation