What sciatica actually is
Sciatica is the pain, tingling, or numbness that shows up when the sciatic nerve — the largest nerve in the body, running from the low back down each leg — gets irritated or compressed.
It's most often triggered upstream: a disc pressing on a nerve root, a tight piriformis muscle, or a joint that's lost its normal motion. The leg pain is where you feel it, but chasing the leg rarely fixes it — the compression has to be addressed at the low back or hip where it's actually happening.
Signs you might be dealing with it
- Sharp or burning pain that radiates from the low back or glute down one leg
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or bending forward
- Weakness in the leg, or trouble standing up on your toes or heel
- Low back pain that's started traveling further down the leg than before
The V-A-S-T Approach to get you out of pain
Vision
Discover the root cause: We pinpoint exactly where the nerve is being irritated — disc, piriformis, or joint — instead of treating the leg pain in isolation.
Alignment
Restore balance: Adjustments and soft tissue work to reduce the mechanical pressure on the nerve and calm the inflammation around it.
Strength
Build lasting capacity: Rehab and strength work to support the disc and joint long-term, so the same compression doesn't build back up.
Transformation
Live without limits: The pain down your leg stays gone because we fixed what was pressing on the nerve, not just the symptom.
What relief looks like
"I've been a patient of Dr. Mae Li for over 3 years and I highly recommend her - she is fantastic. Dr. Mae is professional, thorough, empathetic, and fun! She's gotten me through multiple injuries, always with a gentle touch, even keel, and appropriate sense of humor. I'm so grateful to work with her."
"Dr. Mae Li DC, cured my left shoulder pain in only four visits. I was blessed to have received such exceptional care which included spinal adjustments- manipulations, exercises to improve my posture and help control my stress. Thank you Dr. Li."
"Dr. Li is magnificent. Kind, smart, gentle. She diagnosed my problem correctly before the x-ray came in, and is teaching me how to take care of myself."
"Dr. Mae Li is great! She provided very specific guidance for a hamstring issue, which improved it materially in the first month. Thanks!"
"Visiting with Dr. Li is always a highly positive, multi-faceted experience. Not only was the issue for which I was visiting quickly and accurately diagnosed, we discussed diet and proper squat form as well. Though I often fail, Dr. Li, I promise to do the exercises you prescribed!"
"Dr. Mae Li is really wonderful. She is thorough, effective and a great listener. She gives great suggestions about stretches and preventative exercises. She also really gets to know her patients."
"When I was diagnosed with sciatica at age 50 my doctor sent me to see these incredible sports medicine experts so they could tailor my rehab and exercise to my very active lifestyle. I didn't have a sports injury but they helped me heal & rehab through prescribed activity (so I didn't need to go to a PT) and I got stronger than ever while healing! They also taught me how to prevent reoccurrence. Being in my late 50s now, I've contended with various issues -- radiculitis, broken foot, knee strain, back pain -- and I always feel relief even after one visit. The primary technique they use (Active Release) feels amazing! They really listen and explain everything and it's all very easy to understand. Dr Mae Li is brilliant, funny, and extremely effective. (I'm always a little sad when she says I don't need to come back.) I'd recommend this woman to anyone in a heartbeat."
"Dr. Mae Li is absolutely wonderful. I've been going to her for the better part of two years to manage my back and neck pain and stiffness and she's been a valuable part of my physical therapy and maintenance routine."
"I am a former collegiate tennis player, I have had knee tendinitis for the past 6 years. After seeing five physical therapists, I was almost convinced there was no fix for my ailment. In a matter of four visits, Dr. Li discovered a simple solution to the problem, involving a slight modification to my movement pattern while playing. This was without time-intensive rehabilitation exercises. I am forever grateful to Dr. Li for keeping me on the court."
"I love Mae! She's a fanatic listener and clinician. She's the best."
"Have a leg injury getting worse over time. Dr. Mae Li helped me first relieve the pain and then have been constantly helping me in recovering and getting better with PT homeworks! Highly recommended."
"Dr. Mae Li is caring, professional, friendly and knows how to apply the right technique at the right time. She takes the time to explain the details and her care is genuine."
"Dr. Li is the absolute best! She has taken care of my neck and more recently my broken elbow, she takes the time to understand what my issues are and works magic. I had been struggling to find help for my elbow and Dr. Li scheduled me in ASAP and has provided great care and I can see tremendous improvement with her!"
"Dr. Li was super-helpful with effective adjustments, exercises, and advice that kept me moving."
"Mae did a great job (again) getting a hurt part back in order. Good insights and advice on what to do as well as therapy."
"Mae listened carefully as I described my pain and worked with me through a series of questions and motions, to determine my flexibility. She quickly assessed the situation, and began treatment. After that, she gave me some "homework" exercises, so I could address my pain on my own at home. All the while, Mae was attentive, interested, and focused. I felt very comfortable with her, and I'm looking forward to my next treatment."
"Mae has done amazing work for me. I had a debilitating upper back issue that left me writhing in pain during a long run where I had to limp about two miles home. After three procedures I am back to nearly 100% normal, which I find remarkable. Thank you for the great work, Mae!"
Sciatica, answered
Click a question for the answer — or see the full FAQ for pricing, insurance, and what to expect.
What's the difference between sciatica and regular low back pain?
Sciatica specifically involves the sciatic nerve — pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates from the low back or glute down the leg, often past the knee. Regular low back pain usually stays local to the back. The distinction matters because sciatica points to nerve irritation that needs to be addressed at its source.
Can chiropractic care actually help sciatica?
For sciatica caused by mechanical issues — a disc, a tight piriformis, a misaligned joint putting pressure on the nerve — yes. Adjustments and soft tissue work reduce the compression, and rehab addresses the movement pattern that let it happen.
When should I see a doctor instead of, or before, a chiropractor for sciatica?
If you have significant leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin area, seek emergency medical care immediately — those are signs of a serious condition. For typical sciatica symptoms, a chiropractic assessment is a reasonable first step, and we'll refer you out if anything looks like it needs imaging or a specialist.
How long does sciatica take to resolve?
It depends on the cause and how long it's been going on, but many people notice the leg symptoms easing within the first few visits as the nerve compression reduces. Full resolution — and keeping it from coming back — usually takes longer, through rehab and strength work.