Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, typically starting in the low back or buttock and traveling down the back of the leg, sometimes reaching all the way to the foot. It can range from a mild ache to sharp, shooting pain that makes sitting, standing, or walking difficult. Dr. Dallas has particular experience treating sciatica using a technique specifically suited for this type of nerve related pain.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica happens when something is irritating or compressing the sciatic nerve, most often at the point where it exits the spine in the lower back.
Common causes include:
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A bulging or herniated disc pressing on the nerve
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Joint restriction or fixation in the lower spine
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Muscle tension or spasm irritating the nerve pathway
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Degenerative changes in the spine that narrow the space around the nerve
Sciatica itself isn't a diagnosis so much as a description of symptoms. Understanding what's actually causing the nerve irritation is what determines the right treatment approach.
How Sciatica Is Evaluated
Every new patient visit starts with a detailed history and physical exam, and objective testing using VALD equipment to measure strength and range of motion against normative data. This helps identify what's actually irritating the nerve and how significant that irritation is, rather than treating sciatica as a single generic condition.
How Sciatica Is Treated
Cox Flexion Distraction, delivered on a Cox 8 table, is Dr. Dallas's primary approach for sciatica. This technique gently flexes and distracts the spine in a controlled, rhythmic motion, relieving pressure on the nerve without the forceful thrust of a traditional adjustment. For many patients dealing with sciatic pain, this gentler approach is far more tolerable, and often more effective, than standard adjusting.
Depending on what's driving the irritation, treatment may also include:
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Chiropractic adjustments to restore motion to restricted joints contributing to the nerve irritation
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Corrective exercise and movement coaching, built on SFMA screening, to address movement patterns and weaknesses that may be contributing to the problem
Care is built around the minimum effective dose required to get you results, with the goal of relieving the nerve irritation and getting you back to moving normally.
When to Seek Care for Sciatica
Sciatica that lingers for more than a few days, or that comes with numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg, is worth having evaluated rather than waiting to see if it resolves on its own. Left unaddressed, ongoing nerve irritation can lead to worsening symptoms over time.
Common Questions About Sciatica Treatment
Is sciatica the same as a pinched nerve?
It's related. Sciatica specifically refers to irritation of the sciatic nerve, which can happen for a number of reasons, including a disc pressing on the nerve, sometimes described as a pinched nerve.
Will I need an MRI to confirm sciatica?
Not always. Dr. Dallas can often identify signs consistent with sciatica through history and physical exam alone, though imaging may be recommended in certain cases.
Is Cox Flexion Distraction safe for sciatica?
Yes, it's specifically well suited for this type of presentation, and tends to feel notably gentler than traditional adjusting for patients dealing with nerve related pain.
How long does it take for sciatica to improve?
That depends on what's causing the irritation and how long it's been going on. Some patients notice improvement within the first few visits, while more involved cases take longer.