Sciatica

Sciatica begins in the pelvis — and as the experts in pelvic health, we’re uniquely equipped to unlock your relief when others can’t.

What is Sciatica?

You may hear “sciatica” used to describe almost any hip, buttock, or leg pain that radiates downward. In reality, true sciatica refers to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve—the largest nerve in the human body. This nerve originates from the sacral plexus, a bundle of nerves exiting the sacrum (the foundation of the pelvis), and travels through the hip and down the back of the leg.

Because the sciatic nerve begins in the pelvis, it makes sense that pelvic health experts are uniquely positioned to address its root cause. While traditional treatments may focus only on the spine or muscles of the low back, we take a broader approach—looking at the pelvic floor, sacral alignment, nerve mobility, and surrounding soft tissues—to provide lasting relief when standard methods have failed.

Common Symptoms

How Does It Feel?

  • Pain that begins in the deep gluteal region (back of the hip) and radiates down the back of the thigh, sometimes reaching the calf or foot
  • Sharp, shooting, or burning pain that can vary from mild to severe
  • Feelings of weakness, numbness, tingling, or burning, which are typical signs of nerve irritation or compression
  • Muscle weakness in the hip, leg, or foot that affects daily activities
  • Symptoms that typically worsen with prolonged sitting, walking, standing, squatting, or lifting
  • Relief that may come from lying down, gentle stretching, or changing positions

HOPE

What Causes It?

Sciatica can develop from a variety of issues, and sometimes more than one factor is at play. Common contributors include:

  • Pelvic alignment issues that affect the sacrum and sciatic nerve roots
  • Pelvic floor or deep gluteal muscle tension (such as piriformis syndrome) that compresses the nerve
  • Disc herniation or degeneration in the lumbar spine placing pressure on nerve roots
  • Postural or movement dysfunctions that create ongoing strain
  • Pregnancy-related changes in pelvic load and alignment
  • Scar tissue or adhesions from surgery or past injury restricting nerve mobility

By focusing on the pelvis as the foundation, we’re able to see causes of sciatica that are often overlooked in traditional care.

How We Identify the Root Cause

Our evaluation goes beyond a standard low back exam. Because the sciatic nerve begins in the pelvis, we perform a comprehensive pelvic and spinal assessment to uncover the true source of irritation. This may include examining:

  • Sacral and pelvic alignment and mobility
  • Pelvic floor muscle tension or weakness
  • Nerve mobility and sensitivity along its pathway
  • Myofascial restrictions or muscular trigger points in the glutes, hips, and core

We also collaborate with your referring physician as needed to review imaging or medical findings, ensuring a complete, integrative approach to your care.

How We Help 
You Heal

Living with sciatic pain can be frustrating, especially when standard treatments haven’t worked. At Pelvic Healing, our approach is comprehensive and individualized—focusing on restoring mobility, reducing nerve irritation, and improving the way your pelvis, spine, and muscles work together in daily life.

As pelvic health specialists, we bring a unique perspective to sciatica care, blending advanced manual therapy, movement retraining, and evidence-based techniques to provide lasting relief.

  • Manual pelvic floor therapy
  • Visceral and myofascial release
  • Scar tissue mobilization
  • Nerve mobilization
  • Pain science education
  • Home exercise training
  • Guided imagery and relaxation techniques

Begin Your Healing Journey

You deserve answers and relief from your pelvic pain. Our experienced team is here to guide you in reclaiming your confidence and quality of life.