Sciatica Pain: Causes, Symptoms & How to Stop Buttock Pain Shooting Down Your Leg

What Causes Buttock Pain Shooting Down the Leg?

Buttock pain that shoots down the back of the leg is typically caused by sciatica, which occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated by a herniated disc, misaligned vertebrae, or tight pelvic muscles. Chiropractic care treats this pain naturally by realigning the spine and relieving the physical pressure on the affected nerve root.

If you’re Googling things like, “buttock pain shooting down leg,” or “numbness in leg and foot,” chances are you’re dealing with sciatica.

While it’s commonly referred to as a condition, sciatica isn’t really a formal diagnosis—it’s a set of symptoms caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. ¹ And because this nerve runs from your lower back to your toes, the pain can travel far beyond your spine. Here’s what’s happening—and how to stop it.

What Is the Sciatic Nerve?

The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in your body—nearly the width of a finger. It begins in the lower spine (lumbar region), travels through the buttock, and runs down the back of each leg. Just above the knee, it branches into two nerves that continue into the calf, foot, and toes.

That’s why sciatic pain can:

• Start in the lower back
• Travel through one buttock
• Shoot down the back of the leg
• Reach all the way to the toes

Take a deeper dive into the symptoms and physiology of sciatica in our Back Pain Center.

Common Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica occurs when a spinal nerve root becomes inflamed, compressed, or irritated.

Herniated or Bulging Disc (Most Common Cause)

When a lumbar disc slips or bulges, it can press directly against nearby nerveroots.² This compression triggers radiating leg pain, especially at the L4, L5, and S1 vertebrae levels. Learn more about chiropractic care and herniated disc pain.

Piriformis Syndrome

Tight glute muscles (especially the piriformis muscle) can compress the sciatic nerve in the buttock. Symptoms often worsen when sitting forlong periods.

Spinal Stenosis & Spondylolisthesis

Narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis) can compress nerve roots, especially in adults over 50. Similarly, when one vertebra slips forward over another (spondylolisthesis), it may narrow the nerve exit space.

Degenerative Disc Changes

As discs age, they lose hydration and height—reducing joint cushioning and increasing nerve irritation.

Sciatica Symptoms by Nerve Root

A Doctor of Chiropractic evaluates your symptoms carefully to identify which exact nerve root is affected. Muscle weakness, numbness, or reflex changes indicate nerve involvement and should be evaluated promptly.

L4 Nerve Root Dysfunction

Hip, thigh, inner knee, and calf pain; reduced knee-jerk reflex; inner calf numbness; thigh muscle weakness.

L5 Nerve Root Dysfunction

Buttock pain; outer thigh and leg pain; numbness in big toe and second toe; difficulty lifting the foot or big toe.

S1 Nerve Root Dysfunction

Pain in buttock, calf, or outer foot; numbness in outer toes; difficulty walking on toes; reduced ankle reflex.

How Chiropractors Diagnose Sciatica

Sciatica requires identifying the source of nerve compression, not just treating symptoms. A chiropractic exam may include neurological testing, reflex testing, orthopedic evaluation, range of motion assessment, and digital imaging or MRI referrals when clinically indicated.

According to Dr. Chirag Shah at Chiro One Burr Ridge, pinpointing the exact origin is crucial for lasting relief:

“Because the sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body, a structural issue in your lower spine can easily manifest as numbness in your calf or pain in your toes. By utilizing clinical neurology and targeted chiropractic adjustments, we can trace that pain back to its exact origin and remove the nerve interference, allowing your body to heal naturally.” — Dr. Chirag Shah, D.C.

How Chiropractic Care Treats Sciatica

Once the source is identified, treatment focuses on relieving nerve pressure and restoring alignment. Research has shown chiropractic care can provide significant relief for sciatica patients—often comparable to surgical outcomes for many non-emergency cases. ³

A personalized care plan may include:

1. Gentle Spinal Adjustments: Decompress nerve roots, restore vertebral alignment, and improve spinal mobility.
2. Active Therapies: Targeted strengthening exercises, stabilization training, and stretching to reduce inflammation.
3. Postural Correction: Reduce spinal stress and prevent recurring compression.

Exercises That May Help Relieve Sciatica

Note from our DCs: Before beginning any routine, consult your provider—especially if your symptoms are severe. If a stretch increases radiating pain, stop immediately.

Figure 4 Stretch (Supine Glute Stretch):

Lie on your back, cross your ankle over the opposite thigh, and gently pull your knee toward your chest. Hold 15–30 seconds. Targets glute tension that may compress the sciatic nerve.

Hip Flexor Stretch:

In a lunge position, tuck your pelvis slightly and lean forward gently. Hold 15–30 seconds. Reduces pelvic tension contributing to lumbar strain.

Hamstring Stretch:

Lie down, raise one leg using a strap or towel, and gently pull toward your chest while keeping shoulders relaxed. Tight hamstrings increase stress on the lower spine.

Preventing Sciatica Relapse & When to Seek Care

Sciatica often returns when underlying biomechanical issues remain unaddressed. To reduce recurrence, take movement breaks every hour, avoid prolonged sitting, use supportive footwear, and maintain regular spinal check-ins.

See a chiropractic provider immediately if you experience pain lasting longer than a few weeks, numbness or tingling in the leg, muscle weakness, or difficulty walking. (Note: Loss of bowel or bladder control is a medical emergency; seek immediate care).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does sciatica pain last?

Acute sciatica flare-ups typically last between one and four weeks. However, if the underlying spinal misalignment or disc herniation causing the nerve compression is not corrected, sciatica can become a chronic condition with recurring episodes.

Is walking good for sciatic nerve pain?

Yes, light walking is generally beneficial for sciatica. Walking increases blood flow, helps reduce inflammation, and prevents the lower back muscles from stiffening up. However, you should avoid walking long distances or walking on uneven terrain if it causes your radiating pain to worsen.

Can a chiropractor fix a pinched sciatic nerve?

Yes. A chiropractor can perform a detailed neurological and structural evaluation to locate exactly where the sciatic nerve is being “pinched.” Through targeted spinal adjustments, a chiropractor can correct pelvic and lumbar misalignments, taking the physical pressure off the nerve so it can heal.

References & Citations

References

1. Ropper, Allan H., and Ross Zafonte. Sciatica. The New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 372, no. 13, 2015, pp. 1240-1248.
2. Valat, Jean-Pierre, et al. Sciatica. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, vol. 24, no. 2, 2010, pp. 241-252.
3. McMorland, Gordon, et al. Manipulation or microdiskectomy for sciatica? A prospective randomized clinical study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, vol. 33, no. 8, 2010, pp. 576-584.