Sciatica Treatment in San Diego
Shooting pain down your leg? Numbness, tingling, or weakness? That's your sciatic nerve telling you something is wrong. We find the source and fix it — without surgery.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in your body, running from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. It's not a diagnosis itself but a symptom of an underlying problem, usually a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal misalignment compressing part of the nerve.
The pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating jolt. Some people also experience numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot.
Common Causes of Sciatica
Herniated Lumbar Disc
The most common cause — disc material presses directly on the sciatic nerve root.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal compresses nerve roots in the lower back.
Piriformis Syndrome
The piriformis muscle in the buttock spasms and irritates the sciatic nerve running beneath it.
Spinal Misalignment
Vertebral subluxation changes the position of spinal segments, putting pressure on nerve roots.
Our Sciatica Treatment Approach
Spinal Adjustments
Realign the lumbar spine to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve root and restore normal nerve function.
Decompression Therapy
Gentle traction to create space between vertebrae, allowing herniated disc material to retract.
Rehabilitative Exercises
Core and hip stabilization exercises to support the spine and prevent sciatica recurrence.
Sciatica After an Accident or Injury?
Sciatica frequently develops after car accidents or workplace injuries that cause disc herniation or lower back injuries. We document your condition thoroughly for insurance and legal purposes.
Sciatica Treatment FAQ
Can a chiropractor cure sciatica?
Chiropractic care is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for sciatica. By correcting spinal misalignment and reducing disc pressure on the sciatic nerve, most patients experience significant or complete relief.
How long does sciatica take to heal with chiropractic?
Most patients see meaningful improvement within 4–6 weeks. Complete resolution typically takes 8–12 weeks depending on the underlying cause. We track progress with objective measurements at every re-evaluation.
What makes sciatica worse?
Prolonged sitting, bending, heavy lifting, and sleeping in poor positions can aggravate sciatica. We provide specific activity modifications and ergonomic guidance as part of your treatment plan.
Do I need surgery for sciatica?
Most sciatica cases respond well to conservative chiropractic care without surgery. We only refer for surgical consultation when conservative treatment hasn't produced adequate improvement after a reasonable trial.
Can sciatica come back after treatment?
It can, especially if the underlying cause isn't fully addressed. Our treatment plans include strengthening exercises and postural correction to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Stop Sciatica From Running Your Life
Non-surgical relief. Same-week appointments available.