When that sharp, shooting pain runs from your lower back down through your buttock and into your leg, you know something is wrong. Sciatica affects millions of people every year, and one of the first questions patients ask is: should I see a chiropractor or a physical therapist? It's a fair question. Both are legitimate healthcare providers who treat sciatica regularly. But their approaches are different, and understanding those differences can help you choose the path that gets you better faster.