Sciatica Treatment in Excelsior, MN
Sports Chiropractic Care for Low Back & Radiating Leg Pain in the Lake Minnetonka Area
If you’ve got low back pain shooting down your leg, Google probably told you it’s sciatica.
Sometimes that’s true. Sometimes it’s not.
Here at Minnesota Movement, we don’t label every radiating pain “sciatica.” We figure out exactly what structure is irritated, compressed, or overloaded — and treat it accordingly.
Because guessing leads to chronic pain. Precision leads to recovery.
What Is Sciatica (And What It’s Not)
True sciatica occurs when a lumbar nerve root is irritated or compressed — often from a disc bulge, disc herniation, or spinal joint dysfunction — causing pain to travel along the sciatic nerve.
That pain typically:
Radiates from the low back into the glute
Travels down the back or side of the leg
Often extends past the knee into the calf or foot
If pain stops above the knee - we have to start questioning whether it’s something else. Typically this means your issue is NOT sciatica (which is often a good thing!)
Sciatica vs. Piriformis Syndrome vs. SI Joint Pain
True Lumbar Sciatica
Originates in the lumbar spine - much like disc injuries
Radiates below the knee
May include numbness, weakness, or reflex changes
Often worse with prolonged sitting or bending
Piriformis Syndrome
Compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle
Usually pain in the glute that may travel down the leg. Often pain stops above the knee joint.
Rarely produces true neurological weakness
More common in runners, cyclists, and desk workers
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction
Pain localized near one side of the low back
Rarely radiates past the glute
Often aggravated by transitional movements (rolling in bed, getting out of a car, or sitting to standing)
Recovery Expectations & Prognosis
Acute cases: 2–6 weeks
Disc-related cases: 6–12 weeks
Chronic cases: 8–16+ weeks depending on compliance
Most cases improve significantly with conservative care when the plan includes spinal mechanics + strength restoration.
Surgery is rarely first-line unless there is progressive neurological loss.
FAQ Section
Is sciatica permanent?
No. Most cases resolve with proper conservative care.
Do I need an MRI?
Only if red flags or progressive neurological deficits are present.
Can chiropractic care help a disc herniation?
Yes — when paired with progressive rehab.
Is it safe to exercise with sciatica?
Often yes, with proper modifications.
Common Symptoms of Sciatica
Low back pain radiating down one leg
Pain extending below the knee
Numbness or tingling in the foot
Burning or electric-type pain
Weakness when lifting the foot
Increased pain with sitting
Relief when walking or changing positions
Common Causes & Mechanisms
Sciatica isn’t random. It usually follows:
Disc bulge or herniation
Sudden increase in training load
Prolonged sitting (desk work, long drives)
Heavy lifting without proper bracing
Poor hip mobility causing lumbar compensation
Athletes and high-performing professionals are especially prone because they oscillate between intense training and long periods of sitting.
How We Treat Sciatica at Minnesota Movement
We don’t chase pain.
We address mechanical compression and restore load tolerance.
Treatment May Include:
Lumbar chiropractic adjustments
Manual muscle therapy to lumbar paraspinals & glutes
Active Release Technique
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (Graston)
Core engagement & anti-flexion rehab
Functional dry needling
RockTape for postural cueing
NormaTec compression therapy
Heat therapy for muscle guarding
Simple Early-Stage Rehab (When Appropriate)
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Why Athletes & Professionals Choose Minnesota Movement
We don’t just reduce pain.
We rebuild resilience so you can train, travel, sit through meetings, and ultimately play/live without guarding every movement.
Patient Testimonial:
“Recently my back went out during a hockey game to the point that it took me 20 min to get out of bed in the middle of the night. After a visit with Reid the next day I was able to get back to my day to day immediately and back on the ice two weeks later. Minnesota Movement’s approach has been notably different and very effective. Rather than stopping at 'what's wrong' and treating the pain, they take the time to really listen to all the symptoms related to your visit and develop a comprehensive and holistic view of why symptoms are likely occurring.”