Sciatica – Dr Ben Weitz, DC, CCSP, CSCS

Chiropractic Care at Weitz Sports Chiropractic and Nutrition

Dr Ben Weitz, DC, CCSP, CSCS

Sciatica Chiropractor

Sciatica refers to inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which is a nerve that originates in the spine and runs into the back of the hip/buttocks region and down the back of the leg and it may go to the calf and the foot. If you do not have pain that runs down the back of the leg, then you do not have sciatica. Pain that runs down the side or the front of the leg is not sciatica, though it may be from a pinched nerve in the spine. If the pain travels down the back of the leg, it is probably from the L5/S1 levels of the spine. If the pain travels down the side of the leg, it is likely from the L4/5 or the L3/4 level of the spine. If the pain goes down the front of the leg, it is likely from the L3/4 or the L2/3 level of the spine.

While we find it satisfying to find a name for the condition causing us pain, this name–sciatica–is not really that specific and not really that helpful. Saying that you have sciatica only means that the sciatic nerve is inflamed. It does not tell you what is causing the sciatic nerve to be inflamed. Is it because there is a bulging or herniated disc that is pressing on it? Is there a bone spur that is compressing it as it travels through the neural foramen (hole) between two vertebrae? Or is it caused by the combination of misalignment, muscle spasm and inflammation? Are there adhesions on the sciatic nerve? Are the hip and buttocks muscles playing a role in the inflammation of one of these nerves?

The more important question is how do we relieve this condition and make the patient with sciatica feel better? Chiropractic care is not only often effective for sciatica but it is very safe. Patients who get treated with chiropractic spinal manipulation for sciatica have been found to have a lower risk of taking opioid pain medications and getting addicted. (Association between chiropractic spinal manipulation for sciatica and opioid-related adverse events: A retrospective cohort study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39874372/) Chiropractic manipulation for the spine has been found to be effective for sciatica due to disc protrusion by reducing mechanical pressure on irritated lumbar nerve roots caused by disc bulges or joint misalignments. (Chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of acute back pain and sciatica with disc protrusion: a randomized double-blind clinical trial of active and simulated spinal manipulations https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1529943005008338) We utilize soft tissue/massage work and this has also been found to be effective for patients with sciatic by addressing tight surrounding muscles—such as the piriformis, and this can alleviate secondary spasms compressing the sciatic nerve. We find that therapies like interferential current or ultrasound or cold laser can be a useful adjunct to the treatment. We also sometimes utilize our Flexion-Distraction table, which is a specialized non-force decompression table that gently stretches the lower spine to ease intradiscal pressure and this technique has also been shown to benefit patients with low back pain and sciatica.( Spinal manipulation and mobilization forces delivered treating sciatica: a case report https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/integrative-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnint.2024.1356564/full)

This is to attest to the fact that Dr. Ben Weitz is a most capable chiropractor… I had twisted my sciatic nerves, falling on my side from the top of a two-step, front porch down to the cement driveway. … I could no longer drive my car because my right leg was affected. I could not walk unless I used a walker to do so. …

He took me and untwisted my sciatic nerves; I actually heard the sound of the nerves popping out of its twisted positions. From there on, it’s been an onward and upward climb; the usage of a walker to a cane, then finally on my own two legs without having to wince when I stood firmly on them. Also, I have been able to drive again…

Dr. Weitz is really an inspiration and I pray to God on my hands and knees every day that He sent him to me at the time he did; otherwise, I would not have known where to turn to. I really wasn’t in a really good place at that time of my life.

All I can say is, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

— Sue KT, patient

Dr. Ben Weitz has been our family chiropractor for 15 years now. Dr. Ben is unique because he genuinely cares about his patients well being! He will do whatever is necessary to help guide you back to health, and that is why I travel all the way from Thousand Oaks to come see him! If you need nutritional advice or a routine adjustment Dr. Ben is your man!

— J.J. Prince, patient

i’ve been seeing dr. weitz for YEARS now. he is extremely knowledgeable and very thorough with each visit. i was so tired of getting booted out of chiro appointments after 3 mins and a quick adjustment. dr. weitz takes the time to address any muscular issues that may quickly undo the adjustments he is about to make and i think his personable service, professional knowledge, and great personality make him the best chiropractor i’ve ever used (and i’ve used many). takes insurance and doesn’t rake u over the coals for private pay (my insurance doesn’t cover chiro). love this place and love dr. weitz.

— Jesse L, patient

I have been seeing Dr. Ben for close to 15 years. If you want to improve your health, he is your guy. Whatever the problem, he has a protocol for you. He takes the time to get the whole picture and provides you with a plan to follow. I would not hesitate to recommend him for any health problem

— Patricia, patient

Dr. Ben has been a driving force in my recovery for a very long time. 1st when I was about 15 I was in a major car accident, every doctor I saw said surgery to my arm and back was the only option, Dr. Ben knew better. He helped me regain the use of my dominant right arm again and heeled the pain in my back. About 15 years later he was instrumental in my complete remission from MS with his nutritional plan and chiropractic care. 10 years later I am still in remission and off of all medication, I believe wholeheartedly that it is due to Dr. Ben. Unfortunately I have moved Out of state and wish desperately that Dr. Ben had an office in Las Vegas. With all of my heart and soul I am forever grateful to Dr. Ben for the care he has given me for over 20 years. THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU IF YOU TRULY WISH FOR RELIEF, CARE AND GOOD HEALTH.

— Luciana, patient

Chiropractic Care at Weitz Sports Chiropractic and Nutrition

Sciatica Chiropractor

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Santa Monica Sports Chiropractor & Functional Medicine Practitioner: Dr Ben Weitz DC, CCSP, CSCS

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Chiropractic Care at Weitz Sports Chiropractic and Nutrition

Sciatica Chiropractor

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