Sciatica & radiating nerve pain
Pain that travels from your low back into the buttock and down the leg has a cause we can find — and, in most cases, conservative care that can quiet it down.
Sciatica — pain, tingling or numbness radiating from the low back through the buttock and down the leg — is most often caused by a herniated disc or a tight piriformis muscle irritating the sciatic nerve. Most cases resolve with conservative care, without injections or surgery: chiropractic adjustment and targeted exercise relieve the compression, and many patients feel meaningful relief within two to four weeks of starting care.
Identifying which of those is responsible is the whole game, because it determines how we treat it and how quickly you’re likely to improve.
Common causes we see
- A disc bulge or herniation pressing on the nerve
- Piriformis or deep-hip muscle tightness
- Joint irritation in the lower spine
- Prolonged sitting and deconditioning
- A specific lifting or twisting injury
How we treat it
We examine carefully to locate the source and rule out anything that needs a referral. Conservative care then typically blends gentle, nerve-friendly adjustment, soft-tissue release for the muscles crowding the nerve, and supportive therapies to reduce inflammation — progressed at a pace your nerve tolerates.
Targeted exercises help decompress and stabilize the area so the pain is less likely to return. Most people with mechanical sciatica improve well with this kind of patient, layered approach.
Should I rest or stay active with sciatica?
Usually, gentle movement beats prolonged bed rest — but the right movements depend on the cause. We’ll show you which positions and exercises relieve your nerve and which to avoid for now.
When should sciatica be checked urgently?
Seek urgent care if you have loss of bowel or bladder control, progressive leg weakness or numbness in the saddle area. These are uncommon but important to rule out, and we screen for them at your exam.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on how severe your condition is and how long you've had it. After your exam, the doctor explains exactly what they found and lays out a clear plan — including how many visits to expect — before any treatment begins. Many patients notice meaningful improvement within the first few visits.
Is chiropractic care safe for sciatica?
For most people, yes. Every new patient starts with a thorough history and exam so we can rule out anything that needs medical attention first. We tailor techniques to your comfort, use gentler approaches when appropriate, and refer you to the right provider if chiropractic isn't the best fit.
Can I get a same-day appointment?
Often, yes. We keep room in the schedule for same-day visits Monday through Friday, 9am–6pm. Call 858-455-7654 and we'll do our best to see you today — or request a time online and we'll confirm by phone.
Related care
Move better. Start with one appointment.
Same-week visits are usually available. Tell us what’s going on and we’ll get you scheduled.