Sciatica is one of the most common and most misunderstood conditions Dr. Stiso sees at Stiso Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Massage Therapy in Manasquan, NJ.
Many patients arrive having been told to rest, take anti-inflammatories, and wait it out. Some have been dealing with it for months or even years. Chiropractic care offers a more direct approach, addressing the actual source of the nerve irritation rather than managing the symptoms.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is not a diagnosis in itself. It is a symptom, specifically the result of irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest and widest nerve in the human body. The sciatic nerve originates in the lower lumbar spine, runs through the buttocks, and travels down each leg all the way to the feet. When this nerve is compressed or irritated, it produces a distinctive set of symptoms that most patients recognize immediately.
The most common causes of sciatica include disc herniation, bone spurs, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, and general spinal misalignment. In many cases the underlying cause is mechanical, meaning it responds well to chiropractic care.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica typically affects one side of the body and produces symptoms including:
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Sharp, shooting, or burning pain that travels from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg
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Pain that worsens with sitting, especially for prolonged periods
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Numbness or tingling in the leg, calf, or foot
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Muscle weakness in the affected leg
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A constant ache on one side of the lower back
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Difficulty standing up from a seated position
Symptoms can range from mildly annoying to severely debilitating depending on the degree of nerve involvement. Some patients describe the pain as electric, others as a deep relentless ache.
How Chiropractic Care Helps
The goal of chiropractic care for sciatica is to identify and correct the underlying cause of the nerve compression. When spinal alignment is restored and joint mobility is improved, pressure on the sciatic nerve is reduced and the body can begin to recover.
Dr. Stiso performs a thorough evaluation before beginning treatment to determine exactly where the compression is occurring and what is causing it. Treatment is tailored to each patient and may include diversified spinal manipulation, Activator Method adjustments, drop table technique, or a combination of approaches depending on the severity and cause of the condition.
Chiropractic care for sciatica is conservative, non-invasive, and drug-free. For many patients it provides meaningful relief where medication and rest have fallen short.
Why Choose Dr. Stiso for Sciatica
Sciatica and disc herniation are closely related conditions and Dr. Stiso has extensive personal and clinical experience with both. Having managed lumbar disc herniations himself since age 21, he understands the radiating leg pain, the difficulty sitting, and the impact this condition has on daily life. His approach is thorough, honest, and focused on finding real solutions rather than temporary relief.
If chiropractic is not the right fit for your specific case he will tell you and point you in a better direction.
Ready to Get Started?
If sciatica is affecting your daily life in Manasquan, Wall Township, or the surrounding Monmouth County area, relief may be closer than you think. Call us at (732) 528-7746 or click the button below to get started.
Most major insurance accepted. New patients are always welcome.