Sciatica Treatment in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve — the largest nerve in the body — is compressed or irritated, most often by a herniated disc, bone spur, or piriformis muscle tightness. Chiropractic adjustments reduce the spinal misalignment that creates disc pressure on the nerve root, while flexion-distraction therapy gently opens the intervertebral space and draws disc material away from the nerve. This dual approach decreases inflammation around the nerve, restores normal signal transmission, and progressively eliminates the radiating leg symptoms that make sciatica so debilitating.

Dr. Petersen uses orthopedic tests such as the straight-leg raise and slump test to pinpoint which nerve root is involved and at what level. Treatment combines lumbar adjustments, Cox flexion-distraction technique, and non-surgical spinal decompression for more severe presentations. Piriformis release and sciatic nerve flossing exercises are incorporated to address soft-tissue contributors. Most sciatica patients at Sycamore Chiropractic begin to experience meaningful relief within two to four weeks and avoid the need for epidural injections or surgery.