Sciatica describes pain, numbness, tingling or weakness that travels from the low back down one leg along the path of the sciatic nerve. It most often occurs when a lumbar disc bulge, bone spur, or other structural issue presses on a nerve root, causing inflammation and pain that can range from mild ache to severe, burning pain. (Mayo Clinic)

Common symptoms we see at our San Diego clinic:

• Sharp or burning pain radiating from the lower back into the buttock and down one leg
   
• Numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles” in the leg or foot
   
• Muscle weakness in the leg or foot (difficulty dorsiflexing the foot or standing on toes)
   
• Pain that worsens with sitting and may improve with walking or changing position. (Mayo Clinic)
   

Emergency signs (go to the ER immediately): sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, saddle anesthesia (loss of feeling in the groin), or rapid progression of leg weakness — these can indicate cauda equina syndrome and need urgent care. 

At your first visit we perform:

1. Focused history (onset, pattern, prior injuries, red flags)
    
2. Orthopedic and neurologic exam (strength, reflexes, sensory testing, straight-leg raise)
    
3. Movement and posture assessment to identify contributing factors
    
4. If needed, we’ll recommend imaging (X-ray, MRI) or referral to a spine specialist — only when clinically appropriate. (Mayo Clinic)
    

We combine hands-on care with active rehabilitation to reduce pain, improve function, and lower recurrence risk:

• Spinal manipulation (gentle adjustments): can provide pain relief and improve function for many patients with sciatica
   
• Targeted rehabilitation & therapeutic exercise: progressive stretching and strengthening to stabilize the spine and free entrapped nerves. Exercises are a mainstay of recovery.
   
• Soft-tissue techniques & mobilizations: to reduce muscle spasm and restore movement.
   
• Home-care: specific movements, posture corrections, and activity modifications help to speed recovery and prevent flare-ups.
   

We tailor care to your injury, pain level, and goals — many patients notice meaningful improvement in days to a few weeks when treatment is combined with active exercises.

• First visit: exam, diagnosis, and a simple plan you can start right away.
   
• Short course: most cases of sciatica improve with conservative care (including manipulation, exercise, education). If you are a surgical candidate or not improving, we coordinate referrals for special testing and orthopedic or neurological physicians.
   
• Goal: reduce pain, restore walking and work ability, and get you back to San Diego life — surfing, walking the bay, or your daily routines.
   

(Stop any exercise that sharply increases pain; these are general examples — we’ll customize them for you.)

• Gentle walking: short, frequent walks keep nerves moving and often reduce symptoms.
   
• Knee-to-chest stretch: reduces pressure on lower-back nerves.
   
• Piriformis/glute stretch: can relieve buttock tightness that contributes to sciatic irritation.
   
• Core activation and bridging: build support for your lumbar spine and reduce recurrence risk.
   

Patients with sciatica pain from disc bulge or mechanical irritation frequently get symptom relief from a combined plan of manual therapy and exercise. Outcomes are best when treatment is personalized, active, and coordinated with medical care when needed. Recent evidence supports using spinal manipulation as one component of a broader rehabilitation plan. 

Q: How long will sciatica last?
A: Many cases improve within 4–6 weeks with conservative care; some take longer depending on the cause and severity. Persistent or worsening symptoms may require further testing. 

Q: Is surgery necessary?
A: Most people recover without surgery. Surgery is considered when pain or neurologic deficits are severe or when conservative care doesn’t help. 

Q: Is chiropractic treatment safe for sciatica?
A: When performed by licensed professionals, spinal manipulation and allied therapies are safe. Serious complications are rare; we screen carefully and coordinate with other providers if needed. 

Q: What if my leg is getting weaker or I can’t control my bladder?
A: Go to the emergency room immediately — these are red flags that require urgent medical/surgical assessment.

Our San Diego chiropractic clinic specializes in safe, evidence-based chiropractic care for sciatica. 

If you are ready to book an appointment or if you just have questions, call us at(619) 280-0554 we would be happy to help.