Chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for sciatica, providing relief through adjustments and therapies. Look for a local chiropractor specializing in treating sciatic pain to experience improved mobility and reduced discomfort.

Chiropractic adjustments can be a practical treatment approach. Spinal manipulation can relieve back pain and reduce joint stiffness near the sciatic nerve. For best results, the HVLA should be paired with cutting-edge myofascial release techniques, nerve mobilizations, and movement reeducation to reduce compression on the nerve most commonly caused by disc herniation. Doctor Dean’s Clinic and team services the Los Angeles area with his eclectic approach to quickly and effectively help patients experiencing sciatica and back pain from a disc injury. No surgery or medication is required. 

Pro Tip: Stop Stretching the hamstring and muscles; it’s only making it worse!

Understanding Sciatica and Treatment Options

Sciatica or lumbosacral radicular syndrome occurs when the pressure is usually by compression from a disc herniation on the nerve root as it exits the spine. Most family members may refer to this condition as a pinched nerve. This affliction is mostly of spinal origin and can travel down the leg and into the foot and ankle. Trauma or Injury causing a nerve to become painful is also known as neuralgia.  

Other possible causes include:

• Piriformis syndrome- the sciatic nerve runs under this hip muscle
• Spinal Stenosis- Narrowing of the spinal canal
• Pelvic Injury or fracture- including the buttocks 
• Spondylolisthesis- Spinal displacement of one vertabrea forward
• Postural considerations
• Repetitive sports injuries
• Overactive back muscles

Symptoms of Sciatic Nerve Injury

• Numbness: Loss of sensation in legs
• Tingling- back of leg or outer side of the foot or ankle
• Weakness of the foot and ankle
• Difficulty bending the knee, walking on toes, or lifting foot upwards. 
• Abnormal or weak reflexes
• Exasperated when bending forward, backward, or twisting
• Pregnancy- Due to increased lumbar spinal curve

Treatment: More Than Just “Poppping The Spine” 

Chiropractic can effectively relieve sciatica, but it’s the least essential technique when dealing with nerve root complications. Manipulations, especially in chronic cases, temporarily reduce soreness and stiffness in the the muscles and ligaments surrounding the joint. Movement education, myofascial stiffness, and nerve mobilizations are vital additions to the treatment plan to achieve fast and effective results. 

It’s also essential to be aware that in most cases, recovery and symptoms relieve on their own in about 4-6 weeks. Some cases of sciatica take much longer and are considered chronic after three months. This can become an issue as brain changes occur, and it’s better to ask your doctor questions about treatment at the onset of the pain. Also side note, a chiropratic subluxation is an outdated terminology. 

Movement Reeducation

Bending forward of the lumbar spine is the mechanism of herniated disc injury. Therefore, those suffering from this condition must center all movement around the hip joint, rather than the low back. This is the first step in the healing process and will decrease discomfort when performing everyday tasks such as standing up. 

Myofascial Release

Stiffness in the muscles and fascia creates a compressive force on the nerves as they exit the joints in the spine. Reducing this tension is a from of decompression therapy and help ease patient pain and discomfort throughout the body. Few techniques accomplish this, including massage therapy. 

Nerve Mobilizations

When nerves get pinched or compressed by discs, bones, or surrounding tissues like muscles and ligaments, they can suffer. Relief comes through decompression. Nerves need freedom to stretch and move fluidly in all directions. Enter nerve flossing: a treatment of gentle stretches that liberates the nerve, easing irritation and boosting function significantly.

Additional therapies can complement the above approach, including massage therapy, physical therapy, or acupuncture. 

Dr. Dean has traveled the world, studying the most up-to-date methods in diagnosing and treating even the most complex cases, conditions, or injuries of the sciatic nerve. I’ve spent many long hours traveling and learning to offer Los Angeles the best and most up-to-date treatment techniques available for sciatica. This also includes many other conditions, such as scoliosis, vertigo, neck pain, disc injuries, foot pain, shoulder issues, migraines, TMJ, headaches, whiplash and injuries of the extremities, such as Tunnel syndromes. 

Reach out to book with Dr. Dean, DC, in California by texting or calling 323-354-6077 or emailing him at drjustindean@gmail.com

Our editorial process includes evidence-based practices, interventions, and recommendations.

Written and Reviewed by Dr. Justin Dean, DC on March 17, 2025

Editorial Practices