Condition · Watkinsville & Athens, GA
Sciatica
Sciatica is pain following the sciatic nerve into the buttock and leg; treatment depends on what is irritating the nerve — most often a disc, a narrowed canal or tight surrounding tissue.
Sciatica is a description of a symptom, not a diagnosis. Our first job is to find the source. A disc pressing on a nerve root behaves differently from muscular entrapment, and the treatment plan changes accordingly.
For disc-related sciatica we frequently use non-surgical spinal decompression alongside chiropractic care and specific rehabilitation. The goal is to reduce pressure on the nerve, restore movement, and rebuild the strength that keeps the problem from returning.
Who this care is usually appropriate for
- Pain running from the low back into the buttock or leg
- Numbness, tingling or burning down the leg
- Symptoms that worsen with sitting or coughing
- Leg pain that has not settled with rest
Important considerations & when not to proceed
- Numbness in the saddle area, or new bladder or bowel changes with leg weakness, is an emergency.
- Progressive foot or leg weakness needs prompt medical assessment before conservative care continues.
This page is general education, not medical advice. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.
What happens at your visit
- 1Detailed history and nerve tension testing
- 2Neurological screen of strength, sensation and reflexes
- 3Imaging review or referral when indicated
- 4Care plan, which may include decompression therapy
Frequently asked questions
How long does sciatica take to improve?
Many patients notice change within a few weeks of consistent care, though disc-related cases often need a longer, structured plan. We set expectations at the report of findings.
Do I need an MRI first?
Not always. We recommend imaging when the examination findings, symptom duration or planned treatment call for it.
Talk to our team
New patients: call the office or send a request and we will confirm your appointment directly.
Our office
Chiropractic Works
1050 Barber Creek Drive
Building 200
Watkinsville, GA 30677
Office hours
We are open Monday – Friday, including some evening hours.
- Monday
- 8:00am – 12:00pm2:30pm – 6:00pm
- Tuesday
- 8:00am – 12:00pm2:30pm – 6:00pm
- Wednesday
- 8:00am – 12:00pm2:30pm – 6:00pm
- Thursday
- 8:00am – 6:00pm
- Friday
- 8:00am – 12:00pm
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
New Patient, Neurofeedback and Decompression appointment times may vary.
Related pages
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression uses a computer-controlled table to apply gentle, cyclic traction to a targeted spinal segment, reducing pressure within the disc so the surrounding tissue has a better environment to settle.
Learn more →Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the softer inner material of a spinal disc pushes through its outer wall and irritates nearby tissue or a nerve root; many cases improve with structured non-surgical care.
Learn more →Back Pain
Back pain has many causes, so care starts with an examination that identifies which joints, discs, muscles or movement patterns are involved — then a conservative plan aimed at that cause rather than the symptom alone.
Learn more →Request an appointment
Ready to get started?
Tell us what is going on and we will help you choose the right first appointment.
New patients: please call the office or send a request — we will confirm your appointment with you directly.