Condition Guide
Sciatica & Disc Herniation
Radiating leg pain, numbness, and that deep ache that never quite goes away. Most sciatica is caused by a disc pressing on a nerve root. Here is what that means, why common approaches often fall short, and how we treat it at Shift.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the buttock and down one or both legs. It is most commonly caused by a herniated or bulging lumbar disc pressing on the L4, L5, or S1 nerve root, creating inflammation, numbness, or sharp radiating pain.
The Bigger Picture
Why stretching and rest often aren't enough
Most sciatica is a mechanical disc problem, not a muscle problem. Stretching the hamstring or piriformis can feel temporarily helpful, but it addresses the symptom rather than the compressed disc creating the nerve irritation. The disc needs decompression, not just downstream flexibility work.
Rest reduces inflammation temporarily but doesn't restore disc height or reposition herniated material. Most patients plateau after a few weeks of rest and ice without structural improvement. The nerve remains compressed, the symptoms return as soon as activity resumes, and the cycle repeats.
High-force manual adjustment can sometimes aggravate an already-irritated disc. The disc needs decompression — a reduction in intradiscal pressure — not additional compressive loading, which is exactly what manipulation applies. This is why Dr. Lee built Shift's model around decompression rather than traditional adjustment.
Our Approach
Spinal decompression for sciatica
At Shift, sciatica caused by disc herniation is treated with non-surgical spinal decompression. The motorized traction table gently reduces pressure inside the affected disc, allowing herniated material to retract away from the nerve root. Most patients experience measurable relief within 4–6 sessions.
- The traction is applied specifically to the affected spinal level identified during assessment
- Session length is 15–25 minutes with no pain, no cracking, and no recovery time needed
- Treatment is paired with roller massage along the posterior chain to release the surrounding muscular tension that sciatica creates
Symptom Checker
Is your pain sciatica or something else?
Not all leg pain is sciatica. True sciatica follows a dermatomal pattern — it radiates from the lower back along a specific nerve path, following the L4, L5, or S1 route. Muscle referral pain, bursitis, and vascular claudication can all mimic sciatica, which is why an accurate assessment matters before treatment begins.
| Symptom | Likely Sciatica | May Be Something Else |
|---|---|---|
| Pain travels from lower back to foot | Yes | No — pain stays local |
| Pain worsens sitting for 30+ minutes | Yes | Variable |
| Numbness or tingling in specific toe(s) | Yes | Unlikely — more diffuse |
| Pain improves briefly with walking | Sometimes | Often yes (if vascular) |
| Sharp pain with coughing or sneezing | Yes (disc pressure) | Unlikely |
| Both legs affected equally | Rare | Consider other causes |
This table is for general orientation only. An in-person assessment by Dr. Lee is the accurate way to confirm diagnosis and rule out other causes.
Common Questions
Answers before you book
Yes, in many cases. Studies show that herniated discs can spontaneously resorb over time, particularly softer herniations. However, this process can take 6–18 months, and during that period the nerve remains compressed and symptomatic. Spinal decompression accelerates this process by creating the negative pressure conditions that encourage resorption and reduce nerve inflammation.
Most patients notice improvement within 3–6 decompression sessions. Acute flare-ups often respond faster than chronic sciatica that has been present for months or years. Dr. Lee will give you a realistic timeline at your first visit based on your imaging, symptom duration, and activity level.
Not necessarily. Complete rest often delays recovery. Dr. Lee will assess whether your specific disc level and herniation type can tolerate low-impact running during treatment. Many of our patients continue training at reduced intensity throughout their decompression course, making adjustments as the nerve calms.
Yes. Decompression is billed as chiropractic care, which is covered under most BC extended health plans. We don't direct-bill, but we take care of all the paperwork — a detailed, itemized receipt is emailed to you automatically after every visit. Just forward it to your insurer's app or portal. Most patients are done in under two minutes, and reimbursements typically arrive within 2–5 business days.
A disc bulge is a diffuse, symmetrical protrusion of the disc wall. A herniation is a more focal rupture where the inner nucleus pushes through the outer annulus. Herniations tend to produce more acute, severe nerve symptoms. Both conditions respond to spinal decompression, though herniations may require more sessions.