Sciatica Treated in Redlands
Sciatica Treatment in Redlands, CA
Sciatica can cause sharp, burning, or aching pain that travels from your low back or buttock down the back of your leg, sometimes with tingling or numbness. At Chiropractic Sports & Injury Center, Dr. Bruce Humphries, DC looks for the specific cause of your sciatica and treats it directly, so you can sit, stand, walk, and sleep with less pain.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is not a diagnosis by itself. It describes pain along the path of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, which runs from the low back through the buttock and down the leg. Something is irritating that nerve, and finding out what is the key to effective treatment. Dr. Humphries covers four common causes of sciatica in his book Pain Free: Uncommon Solutions for Common Injuries, listed on our Articles and Books page.
Common Causes of Sciatica
- Herniated or bulging disc: A disc problem in the low back can press on a nerve root.
- Locked-up joints in the low back or pelvis: Joint dysfunction can refer pain into the leg.
- Piriformis muscle spasm: A tight muscle deep in the buttock can irritate the sciatic nerve.
- Arthritis and spinal narrowing: Age-related changes can crowd the nerves.
Sciatica often goes hand in hand with low back pain, but some patients feel it only in the leg.
Symptoms of Sciatica
- Pain that travels from the low back or buttock into the thigh, calf, or foot
- Burning, shooting, or electric-type pain
- Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
- Pain that gets worse with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
- Weakness in the leg or foot
How We Treat Sciatica
After a detailed history and exam, with X-rays if needed, Dr. Humphries will identify the likely cause of your sciatica and create a plan that may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments for the low back and pelvis
- Flexion/distraction and traction to reduce pressure on the nerve
- Soft tissue work and massage therapy for piriformis and hip muscle spasm
- Heat, ice, and muscle stimulation
- Acupuncture for pain relief
- Targeted stretches and exercises for home
- Advice on sitting, sleeping, and lifting
Learn what happens at your first appointment on our What to Expect page.
When Sciatica Needs Immediate Attention
Seek emergency care if you have loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or rapidly worsening leg weakness. If your exam suggests you need a specialist, we will refer you.
Explore our other conditions treated and chiropractic services.
Sciatica FAQs
Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?
Yes. Many causes of sciatica, such as locked-up joints, disc problems, and piriformis muscle spasm, respond well to chiropractic care and soft tissue therapy.
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. Common causes include herniated discs, joint dysfunction in the low back or pelvis, piriformis muscle spasm, and arthritis.
How long does sciatica last?
Many cases improve within weeks with proper care. Sciatica that has been present for months may take longer and often benefits from a structured plan.
Is walking good for sciatica?
Gentle walking often helps by keeping the spine moving. Avoid long periods of sitting, and follow the specific exercises your chiropractor recommends.
Why does sitting make my sciatica worse?
Sitting increases pressure on the discs of the low back and can compress the piriformis muscle, both of which can irritate the sciatic nerve.
Do I need surgery for sciatica?
Most people with sciatica do not need surgery. Conservative care is usually tried first. We refer patients to a specialist when surgery may be needed.
When is sciatica an emergency?
Get emergency care for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin area, or quickly worsening leg weakness.
Find Sciatica Relief in Redlands
Stop letting leg pain control your day. Call Chiropractic Sports & Injury Center at (909) 793-9787 or request an appointment online.