Conditions we treat
Sciatica Treatment in Zeeland, Portage & Muskegon, MI
Burning, shooting pain down the leg? We identify whether your sciatica comes from a disc, a joint or the piriformis — then treat that source directly.
Sciatica isn't a diagnosis, it's a description: pain following the sciatic nerve from the low back into the buttock, thigh, calf or foot. Getting rid of it depends entirely on finding what's compressing or irritating that nerve, and there are several very different answers.
Symptoms we hear about
- Shooting, burning or electric pain running down one leg
- Numbness or pins-and-needles in the calf, foot or toes
- Worse with sitting, driving, coughing or bending forward
- Weakness pushing off with the foot or climbing stairs
- Deep buttock pain that feels like it's behind the hip joint
What's usually driving it
The most common source is a lumbar disc bulging back and to the side, pressing on the nerve root as it exits the spine. Other cases come from arthritic narrowing of the exit canal, a locked-up SI joint referring pain down the leg, or the piriformis muscle clamping the nerve in the buttock. Each of those needs a different plan, which is why the exam matters more than the label.
How we treat sciatica
- 01Neurological exam — reflexes, sensation, muscle testing — to locate the level involved
- 02Non-surgical spinal decompression to unload a disc and pull pressure off the nerve root
- 03Specific lumbar and SI joint adjustments to restore motion and reduce nerve irritation
- 04Soft tissue release for the piriformis and deep hip rotators when they're the culprit
- 05Nerve glides and stabilization exercises so the nerve stops getting re-irritated
Therapies that apply
What your first visit looks like
Three steps, no guessing
01
Exam & history
A real evaluation — orthopedic, neurological and movement testing — so we know exactly what's generating your symptoms.
02
Report of findings
We tell you what we found, whether we can help, how long it should take, and what it costs. No open-ended plans.
03
Treat & rebuild
Adjustments plus the therapies your case actually needs, followed by the rehab that keeps it from coming back.
FAQ
Sciatica: common questions
Can chiropractic care fix sciatica, or just mask it?
If the nerve is being irritated by a joint or disc — which is the majority of cases — restoring that mechanics addresses the actual cause. What chiropractic can't do is regrow a severely damaged nerve, which is why we test neurologically before we start.
Should I keep stretching my hamstring?
Often no. When the nerve itself is inflamed, aggressive hamstring stretching pulls on an already angry nerve and makes it worse. We'll show you nerve glides instead, which move the nerve without straining it.
When is sciatica an emergency?
Loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness in the saddle region, or rapidly progressing leg weakness needs immediate medical attention. Those are rare, but we screen for them at every visit.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
No. You can book directly with any of our three clinics in Zeeland, Portage or Norton Shores (Muskegon). If we think you need imaging or another provider, we'll tell you and help coordinate it.
Do you take insurance?
We're in-network with most major plans and we verify your benefits before your first adjustment so there are no surprises. Cash and payment-plan options are available too — see our insurance and payment FAQs.
How soon can I get in?
Most new patients are seen within a few days, not weeks. Book online for the clinic closest to you or call and we'll find the first available exam slot.
Related conditions
Often connected to this problem
Symptoms rarely stay in one place. These are the patterns we most often see alongside it.
Three West Michigan clinics
Get evaluated for sciatica near you
Zeeland, Portage and Norton Shores. Book online or call the clinic directly — most new patients are seen within days.
Book your visit
Ready to feel better?
Pick the clinic closest to you and book online in minutes. New patients are usually seen within days, not weeks.