What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Most cases affect one side of the body.

The pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, burning sensation, and is sometimes accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg. Symptoms often worsen with prolonged sitting, standing, or certain movements.

Sciatica is not a diagnosis on its own; it is a symptom caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment.

What Causes Sciatica?

The most common causes of sciatic nerve compression include:

  • Herniated or bulging disc: when disc material presses against the nerve root in the lumbar spine
  • Spinal stenosis: narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the nerve
  • Degenerative disc disease: age-related disc changes that reduce cushioning between vertebrae
  • Piriformis syndrome: tightening of the piriformis muscle in the buttock, which can irritate the sciatic nerve
  • Spondylolisthesis: a vertebra slipping forward onto the one below it, compressing the nerve

At Hendrick Wellness Center, we evaluate the spine, pelvis, and surrounding soft tissue to determine the specific cause driving your symptoms before recommending a course of care.

How Chiropractic Care Helps with Sciatica

Chiropractic care for sciatica focuses on restoring proper spinal alignment and reducing mechanical pressure on the sciatic nerve. Rather than managing symptoms with medication alone, chiropractic treatment addresses the structural cause of nerve irritation.

Depending on your diagnosis, treatment at Hendrick Wellness Center may include:

Cox Flexion-Distraction: a gentle, non-force spinal decompression technique specifically effective for disc-related sciatica. The table assists in opening the disc space and relieving nerve pressure without twisting or forceful manipulation.

Spinal Adjustments: targeted mobilization of restricted lumbar and pelvic joints to restore normal movement and reduce nerve irritation.

Soft Tissue Therapy: including IASTM (instrument-assisted soft tissue work) and therapeutic exercise to address muscle tension contributing to sciatic nerve compression.

Because Dr. Blaine Hendrick holds dual licensure as a DC and FNP-C, patients at Hendrick Wellness Center can also access medications, injections, or imaging referrals when appropriate, without needing a separate provider.

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What to Expect

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Step 1: Assessment

Your first visit includes a detailed health history, physical and orthopaedic examination, and neurological assessment to identify the source and severity of nerve involvement. X-rays or imaging referrals are ordered when clinically indicated.
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Step 2: Treatment Plan

Dr. Blaine or Dr. Jana will explain the findings and recommend a care plan tailored to your specific diagnosis. Most patients begin treatment on the same visit.
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Step 3: Progress and Recovery

Sciatica caused by a disc herniation typically responds well to conservative chiropractic care over several weeks. We track your progress at each visit and adjust the plan as your condition improves.

What Patients Experience with Chiropractic Care for Sciatica

  • Reduced nerve pain: Most patients experience a meaningful reduction in radiating leg pain and lower back discomfort over the course of care.
  • Improved mobility: Restoring proper joint movement helps patients return to sitting, standing, and daily activity with less pain and restriction.
  • Avoid medication or surgery: Chiropractic care is one of the most well-supported conservative alternatives to long-term pain medication or surgical intervention for disc-related sciatica.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Chiropractic care is one of the most well-supported conservative treatments for sciatica caused by disc herniation, joint restriction, or piriformis involvement. The goal is to reduce mechanical pressure on the sciatic nerve and restore normal spinal function. Most patients experience meaningful improvement with a structured course of care.
It depends on the cause and severity. Mild to moderate disc-related sciatica often improves significantly within 6 to 12 visits. More complex or chronic presentations may require a longer initial course. We give every patient a clear treatment plan and timeline at the first appointment.
Yes, when performed by a trained and licensed chiropractor following a proper examination. Techniques like Cox Flexion-Distraction are specifically designed to be gentle and effective for disc-related nerve pain. Your chiropractor will select the approach most appropriate for your diagnosis.
Lower back pain is localized to the lumbar region. Sciatica specifically involves pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates down the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve, often reaching the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot. Both can occur together, but sciatica indicates nerve involvement rather than muscle or joint pain alone.
Yes. Herniated and bulging discs are among the most common causes of sciatica and are routinely treated at Hendrick Wellness Center. See our Herniated Disc page for more information.

Sciatica Treatment in McAllen, TX

Hendrick Wellness Center has served McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley since 2006. If you are dealing with sciatic nerve pain, contact us to book an assessment with Dr. Blaine or Dr. Jana Hendrick.

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