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Sciatica Treatment in St. Louis
West End Chiropractic & Rehab Center treats sciatica without surgery or pain medication. Dr. Michael Gerdine, DC, finds what is irritating the sciatic nerve — often a bulging or herniated disc — and builds a plan that may include chiropractic adjustments, non-surgical spinal decompression, rehabilitation and acupuncture. The office is at 4255 Laclede Avenue in the Central West End. Walk-ins are welcome and no referral is needed.
Sciatica is not a diagnosis by itself — it is a description of pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, from the low back or buttock down the back of the leg. The real question is what is pressing on or irritating that nerve. Since 2000, Dr. Gerdine has helped St. Louis patients answer that question and treat the cause, not just quiet the symptoms.
Signs You May Need Sciatica Treatment
Many patients come in after weeks of hoping the pain would fade on its own. Consider an exam if you notice:
- Pain that shoots from the low back or buttock into the thigh, calf or foot
- Burning, tingling or "pins and needles" down one leg
- Numbness or weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain that gets worse with sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing
- Leg pain that is worse than the back pain
- Symptoms that last more than a few days or keep coming back
Seek emergency care right away if leg weakness is getting worse quickly, or if you lose bladder or bowel control or feel numbness in the groin area.
Common Causes of Sciatica
Dr. Gerdine's exam focuses on finding which of these is behind your symptoms, because the cause shapes the plan:
- Bulging or herniated discs in the lower back — a frequent cause
- Degenerative disc disease and age-related wear
- Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the space around the nerves
- Spondylolisthesis, when one vertebra slips forward on another
- SI joint dysfunction and tight muscles in the buttock and hip
- Facet joint irritation and long hours of sitting
How We Treat Sciatica
Chiropractic Adjustments
Precise adjustments to the low back and pelvis may improve joint motion and reduce pressure on irritated nerve roots.
Spinal Decompression
Gentle, non-surgical traction designed to take pressure off bulging or herniated discs that may be pinching the nerve.
Spinal Rehabilitation
Targeted exercises in our on-site rehab center to strengthen your core and hips so the problem is less likely to return.
Acupuncture
Dr. Gerdine is certified in acupuncture, which many patients use alongside adjustments for nerve and muscle pain.
Corrective Care
Posture, sitting and lifting habits that keep strain off your lower back between visits.
Shockwave Therapy
D.A.R.T. acoustic-wave therapy for stubborn muscle and tendon tension that may contribute to buttock and hip pain.
Stretching & Rehab That Takes Pressure Off the Sciatic Nerve
Tight hamstrings and hip flexors pull on the pelvis and low back and can keep the sciatic nerve irritated. In our on-site rehab area we use guided stretches and strengthening exercises so relief lasts after your adjustment, and we show you what to do at home.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
- Conversation. Dr. Gerdine listens first — where the pain travels, what makes it worse and what you want to get back to.
- Exam. Posture, movement, reflex, strength and sensation testing to find which nerve root is involved, with imaging only when it is truly needed.
- Plan. A plain-language explanation of the likely cause and a personalized plan with a realistic timeline.
- Treatment. Care often starts the same day when it is appropriate.
Sciatica Treatment Options Compared
| Chiropractic + decompression + rehab (our approach) | Drug-free and non-invasive. Aims to reduce pressure on the nerve and strengthen the supporting muscles. No referral needed. |
|---|---|
| Pain medication | May dull symptoms for a while but does not address what is pressing on the nerve. |
| Injections | An option some patients discuss with their physician; relief may be temporary and they do not change spinal mechanics. |
| Surgery | Usually reserved for severe or progressive cases that do not respond to conservative care. Many patients try non-surgical treatment first. |
Why Patients Choose West End Chiropractic for Sciatica
- 26+ years of experience — Dr. Gerdine has been licensed since 1999
- Recognized as one of St. Louis's Top Doctors
- Adjustments, spinal decompression, rehab and acupuncture under one roof
- Central West End location, minutes from Midtown, Forest Park, University City and Clayton
- Walk-ins welcome; same-day appointments often available
Sciatica is often part of a bigger back picture. Learn more about our neck and back pain care, see the full list of services, or read about Dr. Gerdine. If your leg pain started after a crash, visit our car accident injury page. We also treat knee pain and whiplash.
Sciatica FAQs
Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?
Yes, many patients with sciatica find relief with chiropractic care. Treatment focuses on reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve with adjustments, spinal decompression and targeted exercise. Dr. Gerdine starts with an exam to find the cause before recommending a plan.
How long does sciatica take to heal with chiropractic care?
It depends on the cause and how long you have had symptoms. Some patients notice improvement within a few visits, while disc-related or long-standing sciatica may need a longer plan. You get an honest timeline after your first exam.
How many chiropractic sessions do I need for sciatica?
There is no single number, because every case is different. Dr. Gerdine recommends a visit schedule based on your exam and adjusts it as you improve. The goal is to get you feeling better and then reduce visits as quickly as it is reasonable.
Does sciatica treatment hurt?
Most patients find treatment comfortable. Adjustments and spinal decompression are gentle and adapted to your pain level, and Dr. Gerdine adjusts technique if anything feels too intense. Some people feel mild soreness for a day, similar to after exercise.
How much does sciatica treatment cost?
Cost varies depending on your exam and the treatments in your plan. West End Chiropractic is primarily a cash-based practice. Call (314) 361-4650 for current pricing before your visit.
Is sciatica treatment covered by insurance?
West End Chiropractic is primarily a cash-based practice. The office does accept personal injury and auto accident cases. Call (314) 361-4650 to talk through payment options for your situation.
Is chiropractic care better than injections or surgery for sciatica?
Many patients choose to try conservative care like chiropractic and spinal decompression first because it is drug-free and non-invasive. Injections and surgery are options some people discuss with their physician when symptoms are severe or do not improve. Dr. Gerdine will tell you honestly if your case needs a referral.
When is sciatica an emergency?
Sciatica is an emergency if you lose bladder or bowel control, feel numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or have leg weakness that is quickly getting worse. These can be signs of serious nerve compression. Go to an emergency room right away instead of waiting for an appointment.
Hear From Our Patients
Ready to Get Relief From Sciatica?
Walk-ins are welcome and same-day appointments are often available. Let's find out what is pinching that nerve.