Sciatica Pain Getting Worse Kearny Mesa, CA
When Sciatica Stops Improving and Starts Taking Over Daily Life
For many people in Kearny Mesa, sciatica doesn’t begin as severe pain. It often starts as tightness in the lower back, discomfort when sitting, or pain that occasionally travels into the hip or leg. Over time, that discomfort can turn into sharp, burning, or electric pain running down the leg — sometimes with numbness, tingling, or weakness.
If your sciatica pain is getting worse, it’s usually a sign that the underlying cause has not been addressed.
In most chronic cases, the issue is mechanical pressure on the nerve, commonly from a bulging or herniated disc in the lower spine.
Why Sciatica in Kearny Mesa Patients Often Becomes Chronic
Many patients are told to:
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Stretch more
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Take anti-inflammatory medications
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Modify activity
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Give it time
While these approaches may temporarily calm symptoms, they often fail to correct disc pressure. When a disc continues pressing on the nerve root, irritation builds — and sciatica progresses instead of resolving.
This is why sciatica frequently worsens with:
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Sitting or driving
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Desk work
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Prolonged standing
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Sleeping in certain positions
Why Some Common Stretches Can Make Sciatica Worse
Aggressive hamstring stretching, toe-touching, or improperly performed nerve flossing can actually:
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Increase tension on the sciatic nerve
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Pull against an already irritated nerve root
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Drive pain farther down the leg
If stretching causes sharp pain, burning, or tingling that travels farther into the foot, it’s usually aggravating the nerve, not helping it heal.
A Safer At-Home Option: The Modified Runner’s Stretch
One exercise we often recommend — when appropriate — is a modified runner’s stretch.
When done correctly, this movement can:
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Reduce compressive forces in the lumbar spine
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Improve hip and pelvic mechanics
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Avoid excessive traction on the sciatic nerve
Key Guidelines:
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Maintain a neutral spine
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Move slowly and under control
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Stop if symptoms worsen or travel farther down the leg
This stretch is designed to support healing, not replace proper care when disc compression is present.
When At-Home Care Isn’t Enough
If sciatica:
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Keeps returning
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Worsens with sitting or driving
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Interrupts sleep
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Has been present for months or years
Then the disc is often still compressing the nerve.
In these cases, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may be an appropriate next step.
Real Patient Experiences
“I have been dealing with back pain for several years. It got so bad that I had surgery 5 years ago for a bulging disc. About 5 months ago the disc bulged again hitting my sciatic nerve creating pain in my legs that made me want to cry it hurt so bad. After trying so many other options I was fortunate enough to find the spinal decompression and chiropractic center of San Diego. After just a few sessions I noticed a difference. Now after being there for the past few months I'm able to go about my normal life again.
What a blessing it was to find a Dr that genuinely cares and knows how to help people in my situation. Thank you Dr Boelk!”
— Anthony K., San Diego, CA
Summary: Anthony had already undergone back surgery, yet disc pressure continued to irritate the sciatic nerve. Reducing disc compression — not masking pain — allowed him to return to normal activities.
“I travel from the UK to see Dr Boelk and his wonderful team. I have 3 bulging discs and one is touching the nerve. I have the spinal decompression treatment and it really helps keep me in my active life. I will not go to anyone else for back treatment, this place is number one and they genuinely care about their patients.”
— Lisa S., United Kingdom
Summary: Chronic disc compression often requires precise protocols and experience. Lisa’s case highlights the importance of proper equipment and individualized care.
“Last year, I spent three months constantly going back and forth between doctor’s appointments and urgent care. The pain was unbearable… I was scheduled for injections and surgery. I found spinal decompression therapy instead and never needed either. Now I’m exercising, lifting weights, and living again.”
— Amanda, San Diego, CA
Summary: Amanda avoided injections and surgery by addressing disc pressure directly instead of relying on symptom management alone.
About Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC
• Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
• Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
• California X-Ray Radiology Licensed Doctor
• Member, International Disc Education Association
• Founder, Spinal Decompression Training Academy
• Over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments performed
• 7 DRX9000 true spinal decompression machines in one clinic
• Largest known provider of spinal decompression in California
• Nearly 21 years specializing exclusively in decompression care
• Rated #1 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Office in San Diego
Next Steps Toward Lasting Relief
If sciatica is affecting your ability to sit, sleep, work, or stay active, addressing the cause early matters.
How to get started:
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Call (619) 298-0800 or text (619) 884-8298
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Schedule your no-charge consultation
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Bring MRI or X-rays if available
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Review your findings directly with Dr. Boelk
👉 Consultations are no-charge and carry no obligation.
Because availability is limited and many patients travel in from out of state and overseas, appointments are scheduled first-come, first-served.
📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
📞 Office: (619) 298-0800
📱 Text Line: (619) 884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
👉 Se habla español