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What is sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the buttock and down each leg. It is not a diagnosis in itself but a symptom of something compressing or irritating the nerve. The pain often starts in the lower back or buttock and radiates down one leg, sometimes reaching the foot. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg can accompany the pain.
Because sciatica describes a symptom pattern rather than a specific condition, treatment starts with identifying what is causing the nerve compression. Two patients with the same sciatica symptoms may have very different underlying causes, and the right treatment depends on which cause is present.
What causes sciatica?
The sciatic nerve can become compressed or irritated in a number of ways. The most common causes we see at our Sarasota practice include:
Identifying which of these is causing your specific sciatica matters because different causes respond to different treatments. A disc herniation may respond well to spinal decompression, while piriformis syndrome usually responds better to soft tissue work and targeted stretching.
How chiropractic care addresses sciatica
Chiropractic treatment for sciatica focuses on the underlying mechanical cause rather than just the pain signal. At our Sarasota and Manatee County offices, care typically combines several approaches based on the patient's specific presentation:
Chiropractic adjustments restore normal joint motion in the lumbar spine, which can reduce nerve irritation when the compression is related to joint restriction or misalignment. Adjustments are precisely applied and calibrated to your condition, not one-size-fits-all.
Non-surgical spinal decompression is often central when a disc is the source of nerve compression. Computer-controlled traction gently separates the vertebrae to create negative pressure inside the disc, which helps draw displaced disc material inward and away from the nerve. Learn more about spinal decompression at Hornback. Sessions run up to 15 minutes.
SoftWave® therapy uses acoustic wave technology to support healing in soft tissue when tissue damage is contributing to the pain pattern. It can be combined with adjustments and decompression as part of a coordinated plan. Learn more about SoftWave® at Hornback.
Exercise and self-care guidance supports what happens in the office. Specific movements, postural adjustments, and home care recommendations help protect the progress made during treatment sessions.
How sciatica treatment options compare
When you have sciatica, several approaches may be discussed. The right choice depends on the cause and severity of your condition. The table below is a general comparison, not medical advice.
| Approach | Invasiveness | Anesthesia or injection | Medication | What it targets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiropractic care | Low, non-surgical | No | No | Joint motion and nerve irritation |
| Non-surgical spinal decompression | Low, non-surgical | No | No | Disc-related nerve compression |
| SoftWave® therapy | Low, non-invasive | No | No | Soft tissue and inflammation |
| Epidural steroid injection | Moderate | Injection | Yes, a steroid | Inflammation around the nerve |
| Oral pain medication | Low | No | Yes | Pain signals, not the underlying cause |
| Spinal surgery, such as microdiscectomy | High | Yes | Often | Removes or repairs disc material surgically |
What to expect at your first visit
Care begins with a thorough evaluation. The doctor reviews your history, asks about your specific pain pattern (where it starts, where it travels, what makes it better or worse), and examines you to assess the source of the compression. Imaging is sometimes ordered to confirm the diagnosis, especially when disc involvement is suspected.
If chiropractic care is a good fit, the doctor builds a treatment plan tailored to your specific case. That plan might include chiropractic adjustments alone, or a combination of adjustments with spinal decompression, SoftWave® therapy, or targeted exercises. Same-day treatment is sometimes appropriate, but for more complex presentations we often want to review imaging first.
You leave your first visit understanding what is causing your sciatica, what we recommend, why, and what the next step looks like.
When sciatica needs urgent medical attention
Most sciatica cases are appropriate for conservative care, including chiropractic evaluation. However, a small number of presentations require immediate emergency evaluation rather than a scheduled chiropractic visit.
Cost, membership, and insurance
Every sciatica treatment plan is built around your specific presentation, so the number of sessions and the cost are determined after your evaluation. We walk you through the plan and pricing before you commit to care.
We are in-network with Aetna and accept Medicare. As of August 1, 2026, we are out-of-network with BCBS. For BCBS or any insurance we do not participate with, we accept HSA, FSA, cash, credit cards, and CareCredit. We also offer payment plans for larger care courses. If you are using out-of-network benefits, we provide the documentation you need to submit for reimbursement. Please call to verify your specific coverage.
Our Wellness Membership offers three tiers for ongoing care. Every membership includes an annual exam and X-rays, and progressive family discounts apply for additional adults (5%, 10%, 15%) and children (10%, 20%). For sciatica patients who need ongoing care, membership often provides a more predictable pricing option than fee-per-visit care.
Sciatica treatment at our three locations
Sciatica care is available across our three locations. The Waterside office in Sarasota is often the most convenient for patients in the Sarasota metro area, though you can access care at whichever location fits your schedule and location best.
Both Dr. Cynthia Hornback and Dr. Shena Martin are certified in the Kennedy Decompression Technique, which is often central to the treatment of disc-related sciatica.
How to get started
If you are dealing with sciatica in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto, or the surrounding area, the first step is a consultation. Call the location most convenient for you.
