Sciatica
Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Lasting relief means treating the disc or spinal structure that's compressing the nerve — not just managing the pain.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — from the lower back, through the buttock, and down one or both legs. It can present as a sharp, shooting pain, a deep ache, burning, numbness, or tingling. In severe cases it causes weakness in the leg or foot.
Sciatica is not a condition in itself — it's a symptom of nerve compression. The most common causes are a herniated disc or bulging disc pressing on a lumbar nerve root, or spinal stenosis narrowing the canal through which the sciatic nerve exits. That's a critical distinction: treating the leg pain alone does nothing for the structural problem in the spine that's generating it. For patients in Ocean and Monmouth County who've struggled with recurring sciatica, that's typically where prior treatments have fallen short.
Treating the Source, Not Just the Symptom
Because sciatica is caused by compression of the nerve at the spinal level, the only way to achieve lasting relief is to address the structure causing that compression — whether it's a herniated disc, bulging disc, or narrowed canal from stenosis. That's exactly what DRX spinal decompression is designed to do.
By reducing intradiscal pressure at the affected lumbar segment, decompression takes the compressive load off the nerve root. The cyclical unloading creates a pumping effect through the vertebral endplates, allowing the disc to rehydrate and creating the environment where the body's own repair processes can work on the structure that's been causing the pain. As the disc recovers and nerve pressure reduces, the radiating leg symptoms typically begin to resolve along with it.
Patients with sciatica driven by disc pathology are among the strongest candidates for spinal decompression — and often see results when other conservative treatments have plateaued.
Learn More About DRX Spinal Decompression →Are You a Candidate for Spinal Decompression?
Decompression therapy may be right for your sciatica if any of the following apply:
- Sciatica caused by a herniated disc, bulging disc, or spinal stenosis
- Pain, numbness, or tingling radiating from the lower back into the leg or foot
- Sciatica confirmed or suspected on MRI or X-ray
- Symptoms that haven't fully resolved with physical therapy or medication
- Desire to avoid surgery or steroid injections
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Fischer to find out whether you're a candidate and get a personalized plan.
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