Localise it first
Nothing useful happens until we know whether the nerve is being irritated at the spine, in the pelvis, or in the buttock. The exam decides the plan.
Home/What We Help With/Sciatica & nerve pain
ChiropracticSciatica and nerve pain care in Morgan Hill, CA
Pain, numbness or pins-and-needles travelling down a leg. The symptom is in the leg; the cause almost never is.
What sciatica actually describes
“Sciatica” is a description, not a diagnosis. It means symptoms travelling along the path of the sciatic nerve — buttock, back of thigh, calf, sometimes into the foot. Several different problems produce that same pattern, and they don’t all respond to the same care.
That’s why the examination matters more here than almost anywhere else. Getting the source right is the difference between relief and months of the wrong treatment.
The usual sources
Lumbar disc involvement — disc material irritating a nerve root as it exits the spine. Classically worse with sitting, bending and coughing.
Lateral canal or foraminal narrowing — more common with age, often worse with standing and walking, better when sitting or leaning forward.
Piriformis and deep gluteal involvement — the nerve irritated in the buttock rather than the spine. Common in cyclists, runners and long-distance drivers.
Pelvic and sacroiliac dysfunction — referring pain into the leg without direct nerve compression at all.
Red flags that change everything
Some presentations need urgent medical assessment rather than conservative care: numbness in the saddle region, loss of bladder or bowel control, symptoms down both legs, or progressive weakness such as a foot you can’t lift. These can indicate cauda equina syndrome, which is a surgical emergency.
If any of those apply to you, go to an emergency department now rather than booking an appointment. Screening for these is part of every examination here.
At your first visit
What we look for
- Neurological examination: reflexes, sensation mapping and muscle strength by nerve level
- Orthopedic and nerve-tension testing to localise the source
- Assessment of the lumbar spine, pelvis, sacroiliac joints and deep gluteal muscles
- Gait and posture observation
- Digital X-ray on site where indicated, and referral for advanced imaging where warranted
- Screening for red-flag findings that require urgent medical referral
Next step
About an hour with Dr. Diana, a full examination, and digital X-rays on site if the findings call for them.
Or call (408) 778-6770.
Our approach
How we work on sciatica & nerve pain
Decompress and mobilise
Traction and specific adjusting aimed at reducing the mechanical irritation, with technique chosen to suit the source and your comfort.
Release the deep gluteals
Soft-tissue and percussive work on the piriformis and surrounding musculature when they’re contributing.
Nerve-tolerant movement
Progressive positions and exercises the nerve tolerates rather than generic stretching, which can aggravate an irritated nerve root.
Change the aggravators
Sitting duration, driving position, and how you get in and out of a chair. Often the difference between improving and standing still.
Refer without ego
If your findings point to a surgical or specialist question, we say so and help you get there. Not every leg needs an adjustment.
This describes our general clinical approach and is not a promise of a specific outcome. Every case is assessed individually, and results vary between patients.
$67
New patient offer
New Patient Chiropractic Exam
Consultation, full exam, and digital X-rays on site if clinically needed. Plus a full hour of one-on-one time with Dr. Diana Tole, DC — not fifteen minutes.
New chiropractic patients only. Not billable to insurance or federal healthcare programs; Medicare, Medi-Cal and personal-injury cases are excluded. Offer covers the initial exam only, not treatment. [CONFIRM WITH GRIFALL: chiropractic exams, digital X-ray and insurance billing happen at their office on their equipment. Check this offer is Five Factor’s to advertise before it goes live.]
Before you book
Sciatica & nerve pain — common questions
Will an adjustment make nerve pain worse?
Not when the technique matches the source, which is why the examination comes first. For an irritated nerve root, gentle traction and low-force adjusting are typically chosen over rotary manual techniques. If something aggravates your symptoms, tell us and the approach changes.
Should I be stretching my hamstrings?
Often that’s exactly the wrong move. Aggressive hamstring stretching with an irritated nerve root pulls on the nerve itself and can worsen symptoms. We’ll show you which positions your particular presentation tolerates.
How long does sciatica take to settle?
It varies widely with the source, how long it’s been present, and how irritable the nerve is. Some cases settle in weeks; others are slower. You’ll get a realistic estimate at your Report of Findings, and we’ll tell you honestly if progress isn’t tracking as expected.
Do I need surgery?
Most sciatica does not require surgery, and most improves with appropriate conservative care. Progressive neurological loss is the main exception. If your examination suggests a surgical question, we’ll refer you rather than keep treating.
Ready to find the why?
Most new patients are seen within the same week. Call the office, or send a short request and we'll get back to you.
New chiropractic patients: ask about the $67 new patient chiropractic exam.