Sciatica — What is it and how do I get rid of it?

Sciatica
Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain that follows along the Sciatic nerve which runs from the buttocks down each leg. Fun fact: it’s the longest and thickest nerve in the body! Oftentimes, sciatica is caused by a herniated disc or bone spur that puts pressure on the nerve roots. It can feel different for different people, sometimes presenting as a burning or achy pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both legs.


How can you prevent sciatica? Exercising regularly to keep your back and core strong is a great way to keep it in check. Engaging your core and maintaining good posture can help decrease the pressure put on your discs and therefore the nerve roots. On top of that, make sure you move your body well! When lifting, use your legs instead of your back, and don’t lift and twist things at the same time—especially all you Buffalo snow shovelers!


Sciatica can be treated in a variety of ways. Using an ice pack wrapped in a towel can help reduce the swelling and irritation of the nerve and lessen any symptoms you may be experiencing. Over-the-counter NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or aspirin) can also help to reduce inflammation. Most importantly, see your chiropractor!



Our chiropractors treat sciatica through manipulation, flexion & distraction, our traction table, e-stimulation such as tens units, as well as our decompression chair. Each of these techniques aims to relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve and alleviate symptoms. Back-On-Trac is the name of our decompression chair and it’s a patient favorite. After you sit down and strap in, the machine leans you back and the back piece of the chair shifts slightly away from the base of the chair, giving you an amazing stretch while relieving the pressure in your spine—a great tool for those with sciatica. If you’re in the Buffalo area and you experience sciatic pain, come see our chiropractors!

Prenatal Massage

By S21 GMB • October 27, 2025
8 Reasons You Should Get a Massage During Pregnancy

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

By S21 GMB • October 20, 2025
The Importance of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: When Your Funny Bone Isn’t So Funny

By S21 GMB • October 13, 2025
We’ve all hit our “funny bone” before — that zinger of tingling pain shooting down your arm that you shake out. But when that sensation starts happening without bumping your elbow, it might not be so funny anymore. You could be dealing with something called Cubital Tunnel Syndrome — a condition that gives your ulnar nerve a bit too much attention for comfort.  Let’s break down what’s going on inside that elbow of yours, what causes this pesky problem, how to treat it, and what you can do to keep your funny bone feeling more “fun” than “numb.”

Sleeping Positions: Protecting Your Spine While You Snooze

By Solution21 Team • October 6, 2025
We all know that a good night’s sleep can make or break your day. But what many people don’t realize is that the position you sleep in plays a huge role in how rested—and pain-free—you feel when you wake up. The way you lie in bed can either support your spine and muscles or set you up for stiffness, discomfort, and even long-term issues. As chiropractors and massage therapists, we see the effects of poor sleep posture every day. The good news? With a few simple tweaks, you can protect your spine, reduce strain, and get the most out of your nightly rest. In this post, we’ll break down the best ways to sleep on your back and side, why stomach sleeping isn’t your spine’s best friend, and how the right pillow can make all the difference. 

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Inflammation

By Jun Sanchez • September 29, 2025
(And Why It’s Not Always the Villain)

Tendinitis vs. Tendinosis: What’s the Difference?

By Jun Sanchez • September 22, 2025
If you’ve ever had nagging elbow pain after a long weekend of yard work, or your Achilles tendon screaming at you after ramping up your mileage too quickly, you may have heard the term “tendinitis” tossed around. It’s the go-to explanation for tendon pain—but here’s the plot twist: not all tendon pain is actually tendinitis. Sometimes, it’s tendinosis. While the names sound almost identical, these conditions are very different. Understanding which one you’re dealing with is key to proper treatment, preventing reinjury, and speeding up recovery. Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense (no medical degree required). 

Game Day Gains: Staying Active and Healthy While Cheering on the Bills

By S21 GMB • September 15, 2025
The start of the Buffalo Bills football season is one of the best times of the year in Western New York. Whether you’re in the stands at Highmark Stadium or packed into a living room with family and friends, there’s nothing quite like the energy of game day. But let’s be honest—football watching usually comes with hours of sitting, bottomless snacks, and more than a few high-calorie treats. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to sacrifice your health to enjoy the game. With a few smart tweaks, you can cheer on Josh Allen and the team while also supporting your own body. Below are fun, evidence-based tips for staying active and healthy all football season long.

The Activator: Small Tool, Big Results in Chiropractic Care

By Design Team • September 8, 2025
When most people picture a chiropractic adjustment, they imagine a manual adjustment—the quick, precise movement of a chiropractor’s hands creating that signature “pop.” But there’s another technique that’s just as effective, and in many cases, even more comfortable for patients: the Activator. This method uses a small handheld tool called the Activator Adjusting Instrument to deliver safe, gentle, and targeted adjustments. While it might look simple, this little spring-loaded device packs a powerful punch when it comes to improving spinal health and reducing pain. In this post, we’ll break down what the Activator is, why chiropractors use it, how it works, and who can benefit most from this technique.

6 Things You Didn’t Know About Kyphosis

By S21 GMB • September 1, 2025
When you hear the word kyphosis , you might picture someone hunched over with poor posture. But this spinal condition is a lot more interesting—and more common—than most people realize. Kyphosis happens when there’s an exaggerated forward rounding of the upper back. While a little rounding is normal, too much can cause pain, stiffness, and even affect breathing in severe cases. The good news? With the right awareness and care, many people can manage it effectively. Here are six things you may not have known about kyphosis: 

Visceral Massage: Supporting the Body from the Inside Out

By Jun Sanchez • August 25, 2025
When most people think about massage, they picture sore shoulders, tight hamstrings, or a knot in the middle of their back. But did you know massage can also target areas inside the body? We’re not talking about bones or muscles this time—we’re talking about your organs. Visceral massage, sometimes called visceral manipulation, is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on releasing restrictions around the organs in your abdomen and chest. This technique may sound a little different than what you’re used to, but it has been shown to help with everything from digestion to chronic pain. Let’s break down what visceral massage is, why it works, and who may benefit. 
Show More