Sciatica Treatment Stockton CA

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, formed from nerve roots in the lower lumbar and upper sacral spine. When one or more of those nerve roots is irritated, compressed, or inflamed (most commonly by a disc herniation, bulge, or osteoarthritis), the pain refers along the path of the nerve. The result is the classic sciatica presentation: pain in the back of the thigh, sometimes extending to the calf or foot.

Sciatica can come on suddenly after an injury, or develop gradually over weeks to months. The pain can be sharp, burning, electrical, or aching. It is often accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg.

The first step is a thorough exam to identify the source. Sciatica from a disc herniation responds differently than sciatica from piriformis syndrome or spinal stenosis, so identifying the cause is critical. We use chiropractic, neurological, and orthopedic tests, and we coordinate imaging when indicated.

Treatment for disc-related sciatica often includes flexion-distraction or other low-force adjustments specifically designed to reduce disc pressure. We use soft tissue work to address muscle guarding, neural mobilization techniques to help the irritated nerve glide freely, and progressive exercise to restore stability and reduce recurrence risk. Most patients improve significantly within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent care.

If conservative care is not enough, we refer to pain management, orthopedics, or neurosurgery as needed. We do not push patients toward surgery, but we recognize when it is the right call.

Sciatica is a condition where the right diagnosis drives the right treatment. We take the time to identify exactly what is causing your symptoms before treating. Our approach respects your specific clinical picture: a disc herniation gets different care than a facet syndrome or piriformis involvement. Our documentation reflects the diagnostic reasoning so your records hold up if your case requires them.