South Texas Accident & Injury
Rio Grande Valley in Alamo, Texas
Pattern
What “sciatica” can look like
People describe pain, tingling, numbness, or a heavy sensation that travels from the low back or buttock into the leg.
The most important detail is behavior. Symptoms often change with sitting, bending, driving, or standing. That pattern tells us what to protect now and what to rebuild next.
Symptom clusters
These are common patterns people report. Your exam clarifies which ones matter and what they mean.
- Pain that travels into the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot
- Pins and needles or numbness in part of the leg or foot
- Burning, electric, or sharp sensations
- Symptoms that worsen with sitting or long drives
- Symptoms that worsen with bending forward or lifting
- Pain that flares with coughing, sneezing, or straining
- A feeling of heaviness or fatigue in one leg
- Leg symptoms that improve when you change position
- Pain that is worse in the leg than in the low back
- Weakness when climbing stairs or getting up from a chair
Exam
What we test to find the driver
We map exactly where symptoms travel and what movements reproduce them. We also test strength, reflexes, and sensation when indicated to screen nerve function.
What we measure
History + mechanism
What happened, what changed, and what makes symptoms better or worse.
Range + tolerance
Where motion is limited and what movements reproduce symptoms.
Strength + stability
Key muscle groups and joint control relevant to your presentation.
Neurologic screen
If indicated: sensation, reflexes, and symptom behavior patterns.
If red flags exist, we escalate to appropriate medical evaluation.
Plan
Reduce nerve irritation
Care starts by reducing irritation so the leg can calm down. Progress is earned through checkpoints. We only add range, load, or volume when your symptoms and function show that you are ready.