Sciatica Relief in Hillsdale, MI: What's Actually Causing Your Leg Pain (And What to Do About It)

If you've ever felt a sharp, burning pain shoot from your lower back down through your buttock and into your leg, you already know what sciatica feels like — and you know it's not something you just "push through."

Sciatic pain is one of the most common complaints we treat at Knapp Chiropractic Center, and it's one of the most misunderstood. Most patients who walk through our door in Hillsdale have already tried rest, heat, over-the-counter pain relievers, or simply waiting it out. And most of them tell us the same thing: it came back, or it never fully went away.

Here's what's actually going on — and what actually works.

What Is Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It starts in your lower spine, passes through your buttock, and runs all the way down the back of your leg to your foot. When this nerve gets compressed or irritated — usually from a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal narrowing — the result is the radiating pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness we call sciatica.

It's not a diagnosis in itself. It's a symptom of an underlying spinal problem.

That distinction matters, because treating the symptom without addressing the cause is why so many people stay stuck in a cycle of temporary relief and recurring flare-ups.

Common Causes We See in Our Hillsdale Patients

Herniated or Bulging Discs

The discs between your vertebrae act as shock absorbers. When one bulges or herniates — from a sudden injury, years of repetitive strain, or simply age — it can press directly on the sciatic nerve. We see this frequently in patients who do physical labor, drive long distances, or spend extended hours on their feet.

Degenerative Disc Disease

As discs lose height over time, the space between vertebrae narrows. This is particularly common in our patient population over 50, and it often develops gradually — which is why people are sometimes surprised at how advanced the degeneration is when we pull X-rays.

Piriformis Syndrome

The piriformis muscle sits directly over the sciatic nerve in the buttock. When this muscle becomes tight or spasms — from repetitive activity, prolonged sitting, or postural imbalances — it can compress the nerve and mimic classic sciatica symptoms.

Spinal Stenosis

A narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the nerves inside. More common in patients 60+, and often responsible for pain that worsens with walking or standing and eases when you sit or lean forward.

Why Rest Alone Doesn't Fix It

Sciatica originates from a mechanical problem in the spine. Rest reduces inflammation temporarily, but it doesn't restore disc height, correct joint alignment, or relieve nerve compression. In many cases, extended inactivity actually worsens outcomes by allowing supporting muscles to weaken.

Chiropractic care addresses the mechanical root cause — not just the pain signal.

How We Treat Sciatica at Knapp Chiropractic Center

We've been treating sciatica in the Hillsdale area since 1983. Our approach is direct and evidence-based.

Chiropractic Adjustment

Precise spinal manipulation restores proper joint motion, reduces nerve irritation, and takes pressure off the structures compressing the sciatic nerve. This is typically the foundation of care.

Lumbar Decompression Therapy

For disc-related sciatica — herniated, bulging, or degenerating discs — traction-based spinal decompression creates negative pressure within the disc, allowing it to rehydrate and potentially draw bulging material away from the nerve. This is one of the most effective non-surgical options available for disc pathology.

Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)

Used to reduce muscle spasm and inflammation in the surrounding soft tissue, making adjustments more effective and longer-lasting.

Custom Orthotics

Foot and gait abnormalities contribute to spinal loading patterns that exacerbate disc and nerve issues. For patients with chronic or recurring sciatica, correcting the foundation is often a critical and overlooked piece.

When Should You Come In?

Don't wait if you're experiencing:

• Pain that radiates from your lower back into one or both legs
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot
• Pain that worsens when sitting, coughing, or sneezing
• Difficulty standing up straight or changing positions
• Symptoms that have lasted more than a week without improvement

Progressive neurological symptoms — significant weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control — warrant immediate medical evaluation. For everything else, earlier intervention consistently produces better outcomes.

Serving Hillsdale, Lenawee, Branch, and Surrounding Counties

Knapp Chiropractic Center has been a trusted health partner for patients across Hillsdale County and the surrounding region for over 40 years. We see patients from Hillsdale, Jonesville, Reading, Camden, Pittsford, and communities throughout the area.

If you're dealing with low back pain, leg pain, or suspected sciatica, we offer straightforward fee-for-service care — no long-term treatment contracts, no pressure. Just an honest assessment and a clear path forward.

Same-week appointments are typically available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for sciatica to resolve with chiropractic care? Most patients notice meaningful improvement within 4–6 visits. Chronic or severe cases involving disc pathology often require longer care, particularly when decompression therapy is indicated.

Is chiropractic care safe for herniated discs? Yes — when properly evaluated and treated. We review X-rays and perform a thorough examination before beginning any care to ensure the approach is appropriate for your specific presentation.

Does Knapp Chiropractic accept insurance for sciatica treatment? We accept most major insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid. Therapy services and certain ancillary care may be available on a cash-pay basis. Our staff verifies your benefits prior to your first visit.

What if I've had sciatica before and it keeps coming back? Recurring sciatica is a strong indicator that the underlying mechanical cause hasn't been fully addressed. We focus on not just relieving symptoms but identifying and correcting the structural issues that make you susceptible to flare-ups.