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 down each leg. The condition typically affects one side of the body and can range from a mild, intermittent ache to a persistent burning or sharp pain that makes everyday activity difficult.
Common causes include a herniated disc, bone spur, or narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses part of the sciatic nerve. It is one of the more frequent complaints seen in a chiropractic setting, particularly in patients with sedentary work, physically demanding jobs, or a history of lower back issues.
Symptoms vary but often include lower back pain, hip pain, and radiating discomfort or numbness down the leg into the foot. Some patients also notice weakness in the affected leg.
How Dr. Riley Dodd Approaches Sciatica Care
At Dodd Chiropractic, sciatica treatment begins with identifying the underlying cause, not just addressing the symptoms. Dr. Dodd performs a thorough assessment to determine whether the sciatic nerve is being compressed by a disc, a joint, or muscular tightening, and builds a care plan based on those findings.
Treatment typically involves chiropractic adjustments to restore proper alignment in the lumbar spine and pelvis, combined with soft tissue work to reduce tension in surrounding muscles. For patients where disc involvement is a factor, spinal decompression therapy may be incorporated as part of the care plan.
Dr. Dodd works with patients across Jacksonville, including those in Brooklyn, Avondale, Murray Hill, Fairfax, and Ortega. Learn more about Dr. Dodd's background on our team page.
What to Expect at Your Sciatica Appointment
Initial Consultation
Treatment
Ongoing Care
What Chiropractic Care Can Do For Sciatica
Reduced nerve pain and leg symptoms Many patients report a noticeable reduction in radiating leg pain and numbness following a course of chiropractic care.
Improved lower back mobility Addressing spinal alignment and surrounding muscle tension typically produces improved range of motion in the lower back and hips.
Support for long-term management Patients often leave with a clearer understanding of contributing factors, including posture, movement habits, and activity modifications, that help reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Diagnose and Treat Your Sciatica
Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica Treatment
Yes. Chiropractic care is commonly used for sciatica, particularly when the cause involves spinal misalignment, disc irritation, or muscle tension placing pressure on the sciatic nerve. At Dodd Chiropractic, Dr. Dodd assesses the root cause before beginning treatment to ensure the approach is appropriate for each patient's presentation.
This varies by severity and underlying cause. Some patients notice improvement within the first few visits, while others require several weeks of consistent care. Dr. Dodd will give you a realistic timeline based on your specific assessment findings.
Not exactly. Lower back pain and sciatica can occur together, but sciatica specifically involves irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which produces radiating pain, numbness, or weakness along the nerve's path into the leg. Not all lower back pain is sciatica.
Not necessarily. Dr. Dodd can perform an initial assessment without prior imaging. If your history or examination findings suggest imaging would clarify the diagnosis or guide treatment, a referral can be arranged.
Book A Sciatica Assessment At Dodd Chiropractic
Dr. Riley Dodd is accepting new patients at Dodd Chiropractic in Jacksonville, FL. If you're experiencing lower back pain, hip pain, or radiating leg discomfort, an assessment can help identify what's going on and what care makes sense for your situation.
