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. (Cleveland Clinic)

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 short-term pain relief and improve function for many patients with lumbar radiculopathy when used as part of a multi-modal plan. (PubMed)
   
• Targeted rehabilitation & therapeutic exercise: progressive stretching and strengthening to stabilize the spine and free entrapped nerves. Exercises are a mainstay of recovery. (nhs.uk)
   
• Soft-tissue techniques & mobilizations: to reduce muscle spasm and restore movement. (PMC)
   
• Home-care coaching: specific movements, posture corrections, and activity modifications to speed recovery and prevent flare-ups. (Mayo Clinic)
   

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 (60 min): exam, diagnosis, and a simple plan you can start right away.
   
• Short course: most non-surgical sciatica improves with conservative care (including manipulation, exercise, education). If you are a surgical candidate or not improving, we coordinate referrals. (BMJ)
   
• Goal: reduce pain, restore walking and work ability, and get you back to San Diego life — surfing, walking the Embarcadero, 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. (Verywell Health)
   
• Knee-to-chest stretch: reduces pressure on lower-back nerves. (nhs.uk)
   
• Piriformis/glute stretch: can relieve buttock tightness that contributes to sciatic irritation. (nhs.uk)
   
• Core activation and bridging: build support for your lumbar spine and reduce recurrence risk. (PMC)
   

Patients with radicular 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. (PMC)

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. (Mayo Clinic)

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. Recent reviews compare surgical vs non-surgical care case-by-case. (BMJ)

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

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. (Cleveland Clinic)

Dr. Steve Jones and our friendly team specialize in safe, evidence-informed chiropractic care for sciatica. Whether you walk into our clinic in North San Diego or call from your home near Balboa Park, we’ll assess, explain your options, and get you moving again.

Call (619) 280-0554 or book online today.

Ready to start?  Same-day appointments often available. Call (619) 280-0554.