Conditions We Treat
Sciatica Chiropractor in St. Louis, MO
Stop the Shooting Leg Pain at Its Source
Sciatica is unmistakable — that sharp, electric pain that runs from your low back down through your hip and leg, sometimes with numbness or tingling along for the ride. It can turn sitting, driving, or standing into a test of willpower. At Gateway Chiropractic in St. Louis, MO, we don't just chase the pain down your leg; we find where the nerve is being irritated and treat the cause.
What's Actually Happening
Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It usually means the sciatic nerve is being compressed or irritated — often by a bulging or herniated disc, a restricted spinal joint, or tight muscles pressing on the nerve. Pinpointing which one is the whole game, which is why we evaluate your spine directly with Motion Study X-Rays when appropriate — images taken across several positions to show where your spine is losing motion and where the nerve is likely being pinched.
If your leg pain also comes with numbness or tingling, that's a clue we take seriously. We don't guess; we test.
We don't guess, we test
A positional X-ray study plus a hands-on exam tells us where the nerve is likely being pinched — before anyone recommends a treatment plan.
Non-Surgical Relief
Our approach is hands-on and non-invasive:
Chiropractic adjustments to reduce pressure on the nerve and restore joint motion
Spinal Decompression to take pressure off the disc and ease the sciatic nerve it's pinching
Radial Shockwave Therapy to calm inflammation and speed healing in the surrounding tissue
Targeted exercises to keep the nerve happy and prevent the next flare-up
For disc-driven sciatica, we may also use non-surgical spinal decompression to take pressure off the nerve. The goal is simple: get you back to sleeping through the night and sitting through a meeting without your leg lighting up.
Non-surgical, honest care — no pressure, no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?
- Often, yes — especially when the sciatica is driven by a disc issue or restricted spinal joint. Care focuses on reducing pressure on the nerve, restoring motion, and supporting healing.
How do I know if my leg pain is sciatica?
- Sciatica typically radiates from the low back or buttock down the leg, and may include numbness, tingling, or weakness. Your evaluation will help confirm the source.
Do I need surgery for sciatica?
- Many cases respond well to conservative, non-surgical care. We'll always be honest about what we see and refer out if your situation calls for it.
How long until it improves?
- It depends on the underlying cause and how long it's been going on. Many patients feel meaningful relief within a few weeks of consistent care. We'll give you a straight timeline up front.