What's actually causing my sciatica?
True sciatica is caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, most commonly due to a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal misalignment at the L4-L5 or L5-S1 level. The nerve becomes irritated and sends pain signals along its full path, which runs from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg to the foot.
Not all radiating leg pain is true sciatica. Other nerve compression conditions produce very similar symptoms but have different root causes and require different treatment. This is why an accurate diagnosis using imaging and nerve analysis is the essential first step before any treatment plan is designed.
I have pain going down my leg. Does that mean I have sciatica?
Not necessarily. True sciatica follows the sciatic nerve all the way down to the big toe. If your pain stops at the knee, the calf, or anywhere in the foot before reaching the big toe, you may have a different form of lumbar nerve compression with its own root cause and treatment approach.
One of the key purposes of your diagnostic appointment at Intero is to determine exactly what you're dealing with before we build your care plan. Treating the wrong condition is one of the main reasons people stay stuck in pain.
I've been in pain for months. Why hasn't it gone away on its own?
Chronic sciatica that doesn't resolve on its own almost always means the structural cause hasn't been addressed. Pain medication, rest, and general stretching can reduce symptoms temporarily, but they don't correct the underlying spinal issue. The herniated disc, misaligned vertebra, or nerve compression is still there.
Until the compression is properly relieved through targeted structural correction, the nerve remains irritated and the pain will keep returning. The longer it's left unaddressed, the more the body compensates with postural changes that can create additional problems over time.
Will I need surgery for my sciatica?
The majority of sciatica cases do not require surgery. Surgery is typically only considered when conservative treatments have failed over an extended period, or when there is significant neurological deficit such as loss of bladder or bowel control or severe progressive weakness in the leg.
In our experience, many patients who come to us after being told they may need surgery are able to achieve meaningful, lasting relief through precise chiropractic correction. Our diagnostic process will give you a clear, honest picture of your condition and whether conservative care is a realistic path for you.
How long will it take before I feel relief?
This depends on how long you've had the condition, the severity of the nerve compression, and how your body responds to care. Some patients notice significant improvement within the first few weeks. Others with long-standing or complex cases take longer to see full results.
After your diagnostic appointment, your doctor will give you a realistic, data-based timeline specific to your spine. Our goal is always to give you an honest picture of what to expect.
Do you take insurance?
We are in-network providers for Medicare and Personal Injury cases. We are not in network with other insurances to ensure we can provide the highest quality of care possible. This approach allows us to provide personalized treatment plans, diagnostic methods, and cutting-edge techniques without the limitations often imposed by insurance companies. Our focus is on delivering the most effective care to achieve lasting results, which we believe leads to better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs in the long run.
How many visits will I need and how much will it cost?
This depends on your goals as well as the extent of the problems. After we conduct a thorough Funneled Diagnosis™, which includes a case history, a 30-point exam, nerve assessments, and full-spine X-rays, we will be able to give you an estimated timeline as well as the budgetary cost to achieve your health goals.
Do I need to take X-rays?
X-rays are essential to our diagnostic process. They allow us to thoroughly examine your spine before treatment, ensuring we provide the most accurate and effective care. We perform all X-rays in-house for your convenience.
If you have full-spine X-rays taken within the last year, we can use those instead. If you have a contraindication such as pregnancy or radiation therapy, please let us know and we will modify accordingly with a more detailed postural examination.
Will I get adjusted on the first day?
Typically, we don't perform adjustments on the first visit. Your initial appointment is dedicated to comprehensive diagnostics, including a thorough examination and imaging. This allows us to accurately identify the root cause of your issues before beginning any treatment.
If you're experiencing extreme pain, our doctors can provide an adjustment on the first day if absolutely necessary. For most patients though, waiting for a complete diagnosis results in significantly better outcomes. Our priority is your long-term health, not just temporary symptom relief.
Which doctor will I see?
We assign a specific doctor to your case after your initial diagnostic appointment. This approach allows us to match you with the practitioner best suited to address your unique health needs, ensuring optimal results for your care.
If you have a preference based on our online profiles, we're happy to note your request. Our primary goal is to pair you with the doctor we believe will be most effective for your specific condition.
How often do I need chiropractic care?
The frequency of your care depends on your specific condition and how long you've been experiencing issues. Initially you may need more frequent visits as we address pain or structural problems. As your condition improves, we'll gradually reduce the frequency of your appointments.
Our ultimate goal is to transition you to a maintenance plan with less frequent visits. Think of it like dental care: regular check-ups keep your spine healthy and catch potential problems early. Our aim is for you to need us less over time, not more.
