The Truth About Sciatica: Why Numbness and Tingling Don’t Mean You’re Broken

Have you ever been walking, sitting at your desk, or even just bending over to tie your shoes—and suddenly felt that sharp, shooting pain down your leg? Maybe your foot goes tingly or even a little numb, and your first thought is: “Oh no… what if something’s really wrong with me?”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. We hear this exact story all the time in our office. And here’s the truth that most people don’t realize: numbness and tingling don’t mean you’re broken.

At Momentum Spine and Sport, we’ve helped countless patients with sciatica symptoms who walked in scared they might need surgery, or worried they’d have to live with pain forever. Most of them left not only moving better, but feeling hopeful again—because once you understand what’s actually happening, the fear starts to fade.

So let’s break it down together.

Sciatica isn’t really a diagnosis—it’s more of a description of what you’re feeling. The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back, through your hips and glutes, and down your legs. If it’s irritated or compressed, you might feel pain, tingling, or numbness anywhere along that path. That irritation can come from a disc bulge, tight muscles in the hips, or even just movement habits and postures that keep your spine under stress.

Here’s the part most people find reassuring: numbness and tingling don’t mean your nerve is permanently damaged. It’s usually just inflamed or irritated. Think of it like stepping on a garden hose—the water slows or stops, but once you move your foot, the water flows again. With the right care, nerves can calm down and symptoms often improve (or even disappear).

And even if a disc herniation is involved—which is one of the most common fears—the research shows those often shrink and heal naturally over time. Your body is built to heal, especially when you give it the right tools.

Now, quick fixes like adjustments, massages, or stretches might give some short-term relief, but if you don’t address the root cause, the problem usually sneaks back. That’s why we don’t do cookie-cutter care. Instead, we look at how your whole body moves, identify the real driver of your sciatica, and give you a clear, personalized plan. For some people, that means building core stability. For others, it’s hip strength or learning better spine control. No two plans look the same, because no two patients are the same.

The best part? We’ve seen patients go from struggling to put on socks to running, biking, golfing, and playing with their kids—all without surgery.

So if you’re stuck with sciatica, hear this: you are not broken. Your symptoms are simply your body’s way of asking for help. And with the right approach, you can get back to living without limits.

If you’re ready to take that next step, schedule a free discovery visit with us at Momentum Spine and Sport. We’ll sit down, talk through your symptoms, and see if our approach is the right fit for you.

Because sciatica doesn’t have to define you—and it definitely doesn’t mean you’re broken.