Sciatica is pain that travels from the low back or buttock down the back of the leg, often with tingling, numbness or a burning feeling. At Barkley Massage & Chiropractic in Bellingham, Dr. Todd Luther and Dr. Kaylee English look for what is irritating the sciatic nerve and build a plan to ease the pain and get you moving again.
Common Signs of Sciatica
- Pain that runs from the low back or buttock down one leg
- Tingling, numbness or “pins and needles” in the leg or foot
- Pain that gets worse with sitting, bending or coughing
- A heavy or weak feeling in the leg
What Causes It
Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It is often linked to a bulging or herniated disc, tight muscles in the hip such as the piriformis, joint restriction in the low back or pelvis, or narrowing around the nerve.
How We Help
- A focused exam to find where the irritation is coming from
- Gentle Diversified and drop table adjustments for the low back and pelvis
- Therapeutic massage for tight hip and low back muscles, all under one roof
- Simple stretches and posture tips to use at home
Seek emergency care right away if back or leg pain comes with loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin area, or sudden, worsening weakness in a leg.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
We start by listening: where the pain travels, what makes it better or worse, and how it’s affecting sleep, work and daily life. Your chiropractor then checks posture, low back and hip movement, reflexes and leg strength, and runs a few simple tests that help show whether a disc, joint or tight muscle is the likely source. If anything points to the need for imaging or a referral, we’ll tell you. Most first visits include treatment the same day.
Sciatica FAQ
How many visits will I need?
It varies with how long you’ve had symptoms and what’s causing them. Many people notice a change within the first few visits; longer-standing cases take more time. We’ll give you an honest estimate after your exam and adjust it as you improve.
Should I rest or stay active?
Gentle movement such as short walks usually helps more than bed rest. We’ll show you which positions and stretches to use and which to avoid while the nerve calms down.
Can massage help sciatica?
Yes, especially when tight glute and piriformis muscles are part of the problem. Pairing massage with your adjustments is easy here because both are in the same clinic.
Schedule a Visit in Bellingham
Barkley Massage & Chiropractic is at 3114 Newmarket Street in Barkley Village. Book online or call or text (360) 656-5131. We bill most major health insurance plans, plus auto (PIP) and L&I claims. See Pricing & Insurance.