A structured, non-surgical approach for lower-back pain that travels into the buttock, leg, calf, or foot.
Sciatica describes pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that follows the path of the sciatic nerve—often from the low back through the buttock and into the leg. The source can involve irritated lumbar nerve roots, disc-related problems, restricted motion in the lumbar spine, sacroiliac joint or hip dysfunction, and tight or overloaded muscles around the pelvis and leg.
That is why Dr. Rambod Derakhshani does not use a one-treatment approach. At The Healing Joint, the goal is to identify the factors driving the symptom pattern and build a plan that addresses the spine, joints, soft tissue, nerve irritation, and movement—not simply chase pain from visit to visit.
The sciatic nerve is formed from nerve roots that leave the lower lumbar and upper sacral spine (L4 through S3), then join deep in the pelvis before traveling through the buttock and down the leg. A common source of sciatica is irritation at a lumbar nerve root—for example, when a disc bulge, disc herniation, or narrowing around the nerve root affects the space where it exits the spine. Symptoms can also be driven by problems farther along the nerve’s path, which is why the evaluation includes the low back, pelvis, hips, and leg.
For appropriate patients, Dr. Derakhshani combines the following treatments into one coordinated plan:
This is a complete protocol—not a quick adjustment followed by “see how you feel.” Treatment choices are based on the exam, symptom pattern, and how your body responds as care progresses.
For most sciatica cases, Dr. Derakhshani typically recommends two visits per week for 6–8 weeks. This frequency allows the treatment plan to build consistently while home exercises reinforce the work done in the office.
More chronic cases—and cases with more significant lumbar disc desiccation or facet-joint arthritis on imaging—often require a longer treatment timeline. Your plan is reassessed regularly based on function, symptoms, neurological findings, and your response to care.
Lumbar spinal decompression is not the right choice for every person with leg pain, which is why a proper examination comes first. When it is appropriate, it is used alongside—not instead of—manual care, mobility work, laser therapy, and progressive exercise.
That combination is what makes the protocol stronger: we address mechanical stress, restricted motion, muscle tension, pain control, and the strength needed to move better long term.
Learn more about Class IV laser therapy, Active Release Technique®, and chiropractic care in Scottsdale.
The nerve’s path through the buttock, posterior thigh, and lower leg is surrounded by muscles, tendons, and joints that all influence how the body moves. This is why the protocol includes soft-tissue work, hip and sacroiliac mobilization, and progressive home exercises—not lumbar care alone.
These educational resources show the nerve pathway, the lumbar muscles involved in controlled movement, and the coordinated relationship between the lumbar spine and pelvis. The first two open on Spine-health; the lumbopelvic-rhythm animation plays below.
New bowel or bladder changes, numbness in the groin/saddle area, rapidly worsening leg weakness, unexplained fever, or severe pain after significant trauma need urgent medical evaluation. These symptoms should not wait for a routine chiropractic appointment.
At The Healing Joint in Scottsdale, Dr. Derakhshani evaluates your back, hips, movement, nerve-related symptoms, and treatment history before recommending care. For new patients, the $49 first-visit offer includes an exam, adjustment, assisted stretching, cupping, home exercises, and treatment on the first visit when appropriate.
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