Sciatica is a painful and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, becomes irritated or compressed—usually by a spinal misalignment or herniated disc. The result can be sharp pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates from the lower back down the leg. At Urteaga Chiropractic in Whittier, we specialize in helping patients find lasting relief from sciatica without relying on medication or invasive procedures.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is not a condition itself, but a set of symptoms caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from the lower spine, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg. When something irritates or pinches the nerve—such as a misaligned vertebra, bulging disc, or muscle spasm—it can result in intense pain and reduced mobility.
Common symptoms of sciatica include:
- Sharp or shooting pain in the lower back, buttocks, or legs
- Numbness or tingling along the sciatic nerve pathway
- Weakness in the affected leg or foot
- Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, standing, or movement
- Burning or electrical sensations in the lower body
Sciatica can range from mild discomfort to severe, disabling pain that interferes with daily life.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Relieve Sciatica
Chiropractic treatment for sciatica focuses on correcting the underlying cause of nerve irritation—typically spinal misalignment or disc pressure. At Urteaga Chiropractic, we use a safe, non-invasive approach to reduce nerve compression and restore healthy spinal function.
Here’s how chiropractic care helps with sciatica:
Spinal Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments realign the vertebrae, which reduces pressure on the sciatic nerve and improves the function of the spine and surrounding tissues.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Muscle tension can also aggravate the sciatic nerve. Massage therapy and stretching techniques help relax tight muscles and reduce inflammation.
Disc Decompression Techniques
For patients with herniated or bulging discs, specific chiropractic techniques may be used to gently relieve pressure and allow the disc to return to its normal position.
Postural and Movement Correction
Improper posture and repetitive movement patterns often contribute to sciatic pain. We provide guidance on ergonomics, stretching, and exercises to help prevent future flare-ups.
Benefits of Choosing Chiropractic Care for Sciatica
Chiropractic treatment offers several advantages for those suffering from sciatica, especially when compared to medication or surgery:
- Drug-free pain relief
- Non-invasive approach with minimal side effects
- Personalized care based on your specific condition
- Improved mobility and posture
- Long-term prevention of recurring pain
In many cases, patients experience significant improvement within a few weeks of beginning care—especially when treatment starts early.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sciatica Treatment?
Most cases of sciatica can be treated with chiropractic care, especially if the cause is related to spinal misalignment, poor posture, or disc pressure. You may benefit from care at Urteaga Chiropractic if you:
- Have ongoing lower back or leg pain
- Were recently in a car accident
- Spend long hours sitting or standing
- Experience pain when bending, lifting, or walking
- Have been diagnosed with a herniated or bulging disc
- Want to avoid long-term use of painkillers
Dr. Urteaga will perform a complete evaluation to determine the source of your symptoms and whether chiropractic care is the right approach for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to feel better with chiropractic care for sciatica?
Many patients notice relief within a few sessions, but full recovery can take several weeks depending on the severity of the condition and how long it has been present.
Is it safe to get adjusted if I have sciatica?
Yes. Chiropractic adjustments are safe when performed by a licensed and experienced chiropractor. Each adjustment is tailored to your condition and comfort level.
Can sciatica go away on its own?
Sometimes it can improve temporarily, but without addressing the root cause, it often returns. Chiropractic care helps correct the structural issues causing the pain.
Will I need imaging like an MRI or X-ray?
We may recommend imaging if your condition is complex or if we need to rule out serious spinal issues. This will be discussed during your initial consultation.
Does insurance cover chiropractic treatment for sciatica?
Most insurance plans, including auto injury and personal injury protection (PIP), cover chiropractic care for sciatica. Our team can help verify your benefits.
Get Sciatica Relief at Urteaga Chiropractic in Whittier
If you're living with sciatic nerve pain, there's no reason to suffer in silence or rely solely on medication. At Urteaga Chiropractic, we offer personalized, science-based care that targets the root cause of your pain and supports long-term healing.
Call our office at (562) 274-7771 or schedule an appointment online at https://www.urteagachiropractic.com
Visit us at:
12466 Washington Blvd, Whittier, CA 90602
We proudly serve Whittier, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, La Mirada, and nearby areas.
