Sciatica is pain that travels from the lower back or buttock down the back of the leg, sometimes with numbness, tingling or burning. It's one of the most common reasons people look for a chiropractor, and one of the problems Dr. Joe helps with most.
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica isn't a diagnosis on its own. It describes irritation of the sciatic nerve or the nerve roots in the lower back that form it. Common causes include:
- A bulging or herniated disc pressing on a nerve root
- Stiff joints in the lower back or pelvis
- Tight muscles deep in the hip, such as the piriformis
- Long periods of sitting, especially on a hard seat or a back-pocket wallet
- Narrowing around the nerves (spinal stenosis), which is more common with age
How Dr. Joe helps
Your first visit starts with finding where the irritation is coming from. Dr. Joe checks your lower back, pelvis and hips, and tests the strength, reflexes and sensation in your legs. Care starts gently and is adjusted to how your leg responds. It may include:
- Flexion-distraction, a table-based technique that gently moves the lower back and is commonly used for disc-related leg pain
- Drop-table and Activator adjusting when twisting isn't comfortable
- Hands-on adjustments for the pelvis and hips
- Soft tissue work for tight glute and hip muscles
Signs you're improving
With sciatica, pain often retreats from the foot and calf back toward the lower back before it fades. Dr. Joe tracks how far down the leg your symptoms reach at each visit, so you can see progress even before the pain is gone.
When to see a medical doctor first
Get medical care right away for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, leg or foot weakness that's getting worse (such as a foot that slaps or drags), or sciatica in both legs. These can signal a condition that needs urgent treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is chiropractic safe for sciatica?
For most people, yes. Dr. Joe screens for warning signs first and uses gentle options like flexion-distraction and instrument adjusting when twisting isn't comfortable.
Should I rest until it goes away?
A short rest can help in the first day or two, but long bed rest usually slows recovery. Gentle movement is generally better, and Dr. Joe will tell you what's safe for your situation.
What if I've already had an MRI?
Bring the report to your first visit. It helps Dr. Joe plan your care. If you haven't had imaging and he thinks you need it, he'll refer you out.
Related conditions
Book your first visit
Your first visit is 40 minutes with Dr. Joe and costs $125, including your exam and first adjustment. Follow-up adjustments are $75. Same-day appointments are often available once your new-patient forms are done, and we're open Sundays.
Book online or call (615) 808-9868. See what to expect and pricing.
