Sciatica — find what's actually pinching.
That sharp, burning, or shooting pain that runs from your low back down your leg? It's almost always a nerve being compressed somewhere along the path. We find where, treat the cause, and most patients see real change in a structured plan.
- Non-surgicalconservative-first care
- Decompression+ adjustments work
- 23+ yrsof expertise
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Trace the sciatic nerve. Hover any spot.
From the L4–L5 lumbar exit, down through the glute, past the knee, into the calf and foot. Each glowing dot is a place the nerve commonly causes symptoms — hover or tap to see what shows up there.
- L5 rootweakness lifting big toe
- Piriformisdeep buttock pain
- Thighshooting back-of-leg pain
- Knee branchback-of-knee pain
- S1 / calfcalf & outer foot pain
What's actually pinching the nerve.
Disc bulge / herniation
Disc material pressing on the nerve root as it exits the spine. The most common cause.
Piriformis syndrome
Tight piriformis muscle (in the buttock) compressing the sciatic nerve below the spine.
Spinal stenosis
Narrowing of the canal where the nerve exits — common with degenerative changes.
Spondylolisthesis
One vertebra slipping forward on the next, narrowing the nerve space.
Facet joint inflammation
Inflamed lumbar facet joints irritating the surrounding nerve roots.
SI joint dysfunction
Sometimes confused with sciatica — exam helps differentiate.
Decompression-first when it's a disc.
Spinal Decompression
Takes pressure off the disc and the irritated nerve root.
Learn more →Chiropractic Adjustments
Restores motion and alignment in the lumbar spine.
Learn more →Class IV Laser
Calms inflamed nerve roots and surrounding tissue.
Learn more →Shockwave
For piriformis trigger points and chronic muscle tension.
Learn more →What causes sciatica?
Sciatica isn't a diagnosis on its own — it's a symptom pattern caused by something compressing or irritating the sciatic nerve. Pinpointing the actual culprit is what makes lasting sciatica relief possible.
Lumbar disc bulge or herniation
The most common driver of sciatica. When a disc in the lower back protrudes, its contents can press directly on the sciatic nerve root as it exits the spine. The result is the classic burning, shooting pain down the leg that defines sciatica. Many patients with disc-related sciatica respond well to non-surgical spinal decompression, which gently relieves pressure on the affected disc and may help the bulge retract.
Piriformis syndrome
The piriformis is a small muscle deep in the buttock that the sciatic nerve runs underneath — and in some people, right through. When the piriformis tightens or spasms, it can compress the nerve below the spine and produce sciatica that mimics a disc problem. A careful exam differentiates the two; treatment for piriformis-driven sciatica often blends manual therapy, soft-tissue release, and shockwave for stubborn trigger points.
Spinal stenosis & degenerative changes
As we age, the canal where the spinal nerves exit can narrow due to arthritis, bone spurs, or thickened ligaments. This is spinal stenosis, and it's a common reason older adults develop sciatica that's worse with standing and walking, better with sitting or leaning forward. Conservative care including adjustments and decompression may help create more room for the nerve in many cases.
Quick answers.
Will I need surgery?
For most sciatica cases, no — conservative care including decompression resolves the issue. Surgery is reserved for severe nerve damage or progressive weakness that doesn't respond to other care.
Do I need an MRI before starting care?
Not always. Dr. Banman's exam can usually determine whether sciatica is disc-related, muscular, or another source. We order imaging when it changes the plan.
How fast can I expect relief?
Many patients feel improvement within 2–3 weeks of consistent care. Acute disc cases can take longer — we set expectations clearly during the consultation.
Can sciatica heal on its own?
Mild cases sometimes settle with rest, gentle movement, and time. But many patients report that sciatica caused by a structural issue — a disc bulge or stenosis — keeps returning until the underlying compression is addressed. If pain has lasted more than two weeks, professional sciatica treatment is usually a smart next step.
How long does sciatica usually last?
Acute episodes can resolve in 4–6 weeks for some, while chronic sciatica can persist for months or longer without targeted care. Evidence suggests that combining decompression with adjustments may help shorten the recovery curve when a disc is involved.
Is walking good for sciatica?
Often yes — gentle walking can help keep the nerve gliding freely and reduce stiffness. But if walking sharply increases the pain or causes numbness, that's a sign the compression is significant and you should pause and have it evaluated.
Should I rest or stay active with sciatica?
Brief rest during a flare-up is reasonable, but extended bed rest tends to make sciatica worse. Most patients do better with gentle activity within tolerance — and a structured plan that progressively rebuilds strength once the nerve is calm.
Insurance?
Chiropractic adjustments may be covered. Decompression is typically not. HSA/FSA accepted. Payment options →
When to see a chiropractor for sciatica.
Sciatica that lingers, returns, or radiates strongly down the leg almost always benefits from a structured exam — earlier rather than later.
Pain that's lasted 2+ weeks
If sciatica hasn't cleared on its own in two weeks, it's usually a sign that something structural — a disc, a joint, or compressed nerve — is keeping the cycle going. A targeted exam clarifies the cause and shapes the right sciatica treatment plan.
Recurring flare-ups
Sciatica that comes back every few months suggests an unresolved root cause. Many patients find that chiropractic adjustments combined with spinal decompression may help break the cycle when the disc is involved.
Numbness, weakness, or tingling
Persistent leg numbness, foot drop, or weakness signals real nerve compression and shouldn't wait. Evidence suggests that earlier conservative care for sciatica often produces better outcomes than delayed treatment.
Let's find your nerve and free it.
Quickest path is a phone call.