Sciatica Treatment in Fairfax, VA
Sciatica can send sharp, shooting pain from your lower back through your buttock and down your leg, making it hard to sit, stand, or sleep. At Mosaic Spine and Knee in Fairfax, VA, we find what’s compressing the sciatic nerve and relieve that pressure using chiropractic care, spinal decompression, and targeted rehab, helping you get back on your feet without surgery.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, running from the lower spine through the buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica describes irritation or compression of this nerve. It usually affects one side of the body and can range from a mild ache to severe, electric pain. Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis, so finding the underlying cause is key to lasting relief.
Common Causes of Sciatica
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Piriformis muscle tightness
- Pelvic or lower back misalignment
- Pregnancy and posture changes
- Prolonged sitting
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain radiating from the lower back down the leg
- Burning, shooting, or electric pain
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Leg or foot weakness
- Pain that worsens with sitting or bending
- Difficulty standing or walking
How We Treat Sciatica in Fairfax, VA
Our sciatica treatment may include chiropractic adjustments to restore motion in the lower back and pelvis, spinal decompression therapy to relieve disc pressure on the nerve, cold laser therapy to reduce nerve inflammation, physical therapy to strengthen the core and hips, Hako-Med horizontal therapy, and custom orthotics when foot mechanics contribute.
Preventing Sciatica From Returning
Once pain improves, we focus on strengthening, flexibility, and healthy sitting and lifting habits to keep sciatica from coming back. Seek emergency care if sciatica comes with loss of bladder or bowel control, groin numbness, or severe progressive weakness. Sciatica often accompanies back pain, and we treat both together.
Sciatica FAQs
How long does sciatica last?
Many cases improve within a few weeks, but disc-related sciatica can last longer without proper care.
Can a chiropractor fix sciatica?
Chiropractic care addresses common causes of sciatica, and many patients experience significant relief.
Is walking good for sciatica?
Gentle walking usually helps by keeping the spine moving. Stop if it significantly increases leg pain.
Does spinal decompression help sciatica?
Yes. It can relieve pressure on discs that compress the sciatic nerve.
What is the best sleeping position for sciatica?
Side sleeping with a pillow between your knees or back sleeping with a pillow under your knees often helps.
Should I use ice or heat for sciatica?
Ice can reduce inflammation early on, and heat can relax tight muscles later.
When is sciatica an emergency?
Seek immediate care for bladder or bowel changes, groin numbness, or rapidly worsening leg weakness.
Find Relief From Sciatica in Fairfax
You don’t have to live with sciatica. Call Mosaic Spine and Knee at (703) 204-1220 or request an appointment online to start a personalized, non-surgical treatment plan.