Sciatica treatment in Stamford, CT
Sharp, burning pain that runs from your back or buttock down your leg can make sitting, sleeping and even walking miserable. The good news is that most sciatica gets better with non-surgical care. The key is finding what's pressing on the nerve.
- Pain down one leg
- Burning or tingling
- Worse when sitting
Does this sound like you?
People with sciatica usually describe some mix of these:
- Sharp or shooting pain down the back of one leg
- Burning, tingling or “electric” sensations
- Numbness in the leg or foot
- Pain that's worse when you sit, cough or sneeze
- Weakness when you push off your foot
- Low back or buttock pain on the same side
What's actually going on
Sciatica is the name for symptoms caused by an irritated sciatic nerve. There's one on each side of the body, running from the low back through the buttock and down the leg. It's the longest nerve you have.
The most common causes are:
- A bulging or herniated disc pressing on a nerve root
- Stiff or inflamed spinal joints
- Age-related narrowing of the spaces the nerve passes through
- A tight piriformis muscle deep in the buttock
Each one is treated differently. That's why a proper exam matters more than any stretch you find online.
When to see a medical doctor first
Call 911 or go to the ER now if you have:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
- Leg weakness that's getting worse quickly
See your doctor within a day or two if you have:
- Sciatica that started after a hard fall or accident
- Fever or weight loss you can't explain, along with back pain
These are uncommon. If one applies to you, get medical care before booking a chiropractic visit.
How Dr. Burstein treats sciatica
The plan depends on what's pressing on the nerve. For most people it combines:
Chiropractic care
Gentle adjustments restore motion in stiff lumbar (lower back) and pelvic joints to ease pressure on the nerve.
Cold laser therapy
Used on sore muscles and joints in the low back and hip during flare-ups.
Corrective exercise & rehab
Nerve-gliding moves (gentle motions that help the nerve slide freely) and core work that keep pressure off it.
What recovery usually looks like
- First visits Finding the cause, calming the flare-up, and finding positions that ease the pain.
- Weeks 2–4 Many patients notice the pain moving out of the foot and leg and back toward the low back. That's a good sign.
- Weeks 4–8 Building strength and movement so it's less likely to return.
How fast it settles depends on what's irritating the nerve and how long it's been going on. You'll get a personal estimate at your first visit.
What you can do today
- Avoid sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time. Stand up and walk briefly.
- Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees.
- Gentle walking usually helps more than bed rest.
- Skip toe-touch stretches until you know the cause. They can make disc-related sciatica worse.
Common questions
How long does sciatica last?
Many cases improve within 4 to 8 weeks with the right care, though it depends on the cause and how long you've had symptoms. Pain that's been there for months can still improve. It usually just takes longer.
Can a chiropractor help sciatica?
Often, yes. Chiropractic care is one of the most common non-surgical treatments for sciatica, especially when it comes from stiff spinal joints or a disc problem. Your exam shows whether it's right for you, or whether you need imaging or a specialist first.
Should I get an MRI for sciatica?
Most people don't need one right away. Imaging is usually recommended when there are red-flag symptoms, worsening weakness, or no improvement after several weeks of care. Dr. Burstein will tell you if he thinks you need one.
Is it sciatica or a pulled muscle?
A pulled muscle usually stays in one spot. Sciatica travels: it runs down the leg, often below the knee, and may come with tingling or numbness. If you're not sure, an exam can tell the difference quickly.
Early-morning and after-hours visits. No referral needed.
Book a visit or call (203) 325-8112Other problems Dr. Burstein treats
Low back pain
Aching, stiffness or sharp pain in the lower back, from a sudden strain or slowly building over time.
Herniated & degenerative discs
Bulging, herniated or worn discs causing back pain, neck pain or pain into an arm or leg.
Sports injuries
Sprains, strains and overuse injuries from running, golf, tennis, pickleball, CrossFit and more.
Let's find out what's behind your sciatica
Tell us a little about what's going on. The office will call you back to find a time, and can look up your insurance benefits before you come in.
- A call back from the office to set a time
- Help looking up your insurance benefits
- A complimentary first evaluation for new patients