Conditions > Sciatica

Sciatica is one of the most disruptive types of pain a person can experience. That sharp, burning sensation shooting from your lower back down through your leg can make sitting, standing, and sleeping genuinely difficult.
As a trusted sciatica chiropractor in Tucson AZ, Dr. David Heaton takes a root-cause approach to identifying why your sciatic nerve is irritated and creating a plan to relieve it without medication or surgery.
Sciatica is not a condition itself but a symptom of an underlying issue affecting the spine or surrounding tissues. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, running from the lower spine through the pelvis and down each leg.
When this nerve becomes compressed or irritated anywhere along that path, it produces the radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness most people recognize as sciatica. Understanding exactly what is causing that compression is where Dr. Heaton always begins.
Several underlying conditions can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and trigger symptoms. The most common causes we see in our Tucson patients include:
● Herniated or bulging discs pressing against the nerve
● Spinal stenosis or narrowing of the spinal canal
● Degenerative disc disease
● Piriformis muscle tightness compressing the nerve
● Spinal misalignment and poor posture
● Auto injuries, falls, or repetitive strain from work injuries
Sciatica symptoms can vary from person to person and may come and go or remain constant. Common signs that you may be dealing with sciatic nerve irritation include:
● Sharp or burning pain in the lower back, buttocks, or leg
● Pain that travels down one side of the body
● Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
● Muscle weakness in the affected leg
● Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing
● Difficulty with everyday activities like walking or sleeping
Dr. Heaton begins with a thorough evaluation of your spinal alignment, posture, range of motion, and neurological function to identify the true source of your sciatic pain.
From there, your treatment plan may include any combination of the following:
● Chiropractic adjustments to restore proper spinal alignment
● Spinal decompression to relieve disc pressure directly on the nerve
● Electrical muscle stimulation to reduce muscle tension and inflammation
● Infrared cold laser therapy to support healing in irritated nerve tissue
● Rehabilitation therapy to rebuild strength and prevent sciatica from returning
● Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for patients dealing with persistent inflammation and slow tissue recovery
Many patients begin to notice improvement within a few visits, although recovery time varies depending on the severity of the condition.
Dr. Heaton will track your progress throughout your care plan and adjust treatment as your body responds. The goal is steady, lasting improvement in both pain and function, not just temporary relief. Most sciatica patients at our Tucson clinic are able to return to normal daily activities without surgery or pain medication.
Sciatica that goes untreated can worsen over time and in some cases lead to more serious nerve complications. If you are also experiencing related symptoms like back pain, knee pain, or hand numbness, those may be connected to the same underlying spinal issue worth addressing together.
Call Arizona Chiropractic & Spine Rehabilitation in Tucson at (520) 600-3300 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Heaton and take the first step toward lasting relief.

If pain, injury, or limited movement is slowing you down, we'd love to help. At Arizona Chiropractic & Spine Rehabilitation, Dr. Heaton makes it simple to get the care you need and start your path toward real recovery.

Mon - Thu 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Fri 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Saturday & Sunday Closed
601 N Craycroft Rd
Tucson, AZ 85711
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