Sciatica Pain Relief in San Diego

The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in the human body. It originates from nerve roots in the lower lumbar and upper sacral spine (L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3), which bundle together to form a single nerve roughly the diameter of a finger. From the lower back, the sciatic nerve travels through the buttock, down the back of the thigh, and branches at the knee into the tibial and peroneal nerves that extend to the foot.

Sciatica occurs when this nerve is compressed or irritated at any point along its path—most commonly at the spinal nerve roots where a herniated disc, bone spur, or narrowed spinal canal puts pressure on the nerve. This compression triggers inflammation and sends pain signals radiating down the leg, often accompanied by numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.

Understanding exactly where and why your sciatic nerve is being compressed is the key to effective treatment—and it's the first thing we determine during your consultation at our San Diego clinic.

Yes—and this connection surprises many patients. The sciatic nerve's branches supply sensation and motor control to the knee area. When the L3 or L4 lumbar nerve roots are compressed, pain can refer directly to the front or inside of the knee, mimicking a knee injury even though the source is in the spine.

This is a common reason patients undergo unnecessary knee MRIs, cortisone injections, or even knee surgery without finding relief. If you're experiencing unexplained knee pain—especially combined with low back stiffness or occasional leg tingling—the cause may be a lumbar spine issue compressing the nerves that serve the knee.

Our comprehensive neurological examination traces the pain to its true source, ensuring you receive treatment where it matters most rather than chasing symptoms at the knee.

Walking is generally one of the best low-impact activities for sciatica relief. When you walk, the rhythmic motion promotes blood flow to inflamed tissues, helps keep the muscles around the spine from tightening, and creates a natural disc-pumping effect that improves nutrient flow to damaged discs.

However, there are important guidelines to follow. Start with short, comfortable distances on flat ground—even 10 to 15 minutes can be beneficial. Walk at a pace that doesn't increase your pain. Use supportive shoes and maintain upright posture. If your pain worsens or migrates further down the leg while walking, stop and rest. A slight, tolerable ache is acceptable, but sharp or shooting pain is a signal to back off.

Avoid walking on uneven surfaces or inclines until your symptoms improve. As your nerve irritation decreases through treatment, you'll find you can walk longer and faster without discomfort.