Conditions Cottleville, MO

Sciatica & nerve pain

Pain, tingling or numbness that runs from the back or buttock down a leg — what usually causes it, and how it's sorted out.

The short answer

Sciatica describes pain along the sciatic nerve, usually from the low back or buttock down the leg. It's most often linked to an irritated disc, but tight hip muscles such as the piriformis can produce a similar pattern. Many cases settle over weeks to months; an assessment works out where the nerve is being irritated and which movements help.

Common signs

Pain that travels from the low back or buttock down the back or side of the leg
Tingling, burning or numbness in the leg or foot
Pain that's worse sitting, driving, or bending forward
One leg affected rather than both

What it usually is

A disc. An irritated or bulging disc in the low back is the most common source of sciatica, and often prefers standing and walking to sitting. Sciatica: causes, relief and how long it lasts →
The piriformis. A tight deep hip muscle can irritate the nerve in the buttock — common in drivers and people who sit a lot. Piriformis syndrome →
Narrowing with age. After 55, narrowing around the nerves (stenosis) can produce leg symptoms that ease on bending forward. Back pain after 55 →
Recovery time. Many disc-related cases improve without surgery; the question is what helps along the way. Can a herniated disc heal on its own? →

Check yours

Leg symptoms that are worse with sitting and bending often lean flexion-sensitive. These five questions show which way your pattern leans.

Extension vs. flexion screen

Which movements provoke your pain? Find your directional pattern.

This is an educational screen, not a diagnosis — but it points you in the right direction.

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What you can try today

Keep moving gently. Short, frequent walks are often easier on sciatica than long sitting.
Break up sitting and driving — stop and stand every 30 minutes on long days.
Notice what eases it (standing, walking, lying down) and what provokes it. That pattern is useful.
Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees.

How it’s assessed and treated here

The 40-minute assessment includes a nerve-focused exam — strength, sensation and reflexes — alongside how your back and hips move, to work out where the nerve is being irritated.

Care is matched to the source: precision adjustments and directional exercises for disc-related patterns, soft-tissue work for the piriformis and hip, and spinal decompression where a pinched nerve is involved. Acupuncture is available too.

Often part of the plan: Spinal decompression, Precision Spinal Adjustments, Pin & Stretch, Corrective Exercise Programming and Acupuncture.

The initial assessment is $149 and runs about 40 minutes. Follow-up visits are $60 and include the adjustment, soft-tissue work and corrective exercise your plan calls for that day. We don’t bill insurance; HSA and FSA cards are accepted. Compare it with your insurance →

This page explains what's common, not what's going on with you. Always talk it through with your doctor, or book an assessment with Dr. Hailey to find out what's going on.

Questions people ask

How long does sciatica last?

It varies widely. Many cases improve over weeks to a few months; some take longer. Our sciatica article covers what affects the timeline, and the assessment gives you a plan for yours.

Is it a disc or piriformis?

Both can send pain down the leg. Disc-related sciatica more often follows a back pattern and can affect sensation and strength; piriformis tends to sit in the buttock and flare with sitting. The exam is how they're told apart.

What is spinal decompression?

A gentle, controlled traction treatment aimed at easing pressure on an irritated nerve. Our spinal decompression page explains how it works and who it suits.

What does it cost?

The initial assessment is $149 (40 minutes); follow-up visits are $60. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.

Before you book

40 minutes: History, a movement and posture screen, an exam, and hands-on treatment the same visit.
$149 flat: Cash-based with posted prices. HSA and FSA cards accepted; insurance isn't billed directly.
No referral: Book online or call 636.378.0969. Same-week appointments are usually available.

Sciatica & nerve pain — Cottleville, O'Fallon, St. Peters & Wentzville

Find out what’s behind yours.

Book an assessment with Dr. Hailey — $149