Sciatica Pain Getting Worse La Jolla, CA
When Sciatica Doesn’t Improve on Its Own
For many people in La Jolla, sciatica begins quietly — a dull ache in the lower back, discomfort when sitting, or pain that occasionally travels into the hip or leg. Over time, that discomfort can evolve into sharp, burning, or electric pain that radiates down the leg and interferes with sleep, work, and physical activity.
If your sciatica pain is getting worse, it is rarely because you are “not stretching enough” or “not resting enough.” In most chronic cases, worsening sciatica points to ongoing mechanical pressure on the nerve, commonly from a bulging or herniated disc.
Why Sciatica Often Worsens Instead of Resolving
Many patients are initially advised to:
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Take anti-inflammatory medications
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Stretch the hamstrings or low back
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Modify activity
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Wait for symptoms to calm down
While these approaches may temporarily reduce discomfort, they often fail to correct why the nerve is irritated in the first place. When disc pressure remains, the sciatic nerve stays compressed — and symptoms frequently intensify over time.
This is why sciatica often feels worse with:
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Sitting or driving
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Desk or computer work
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Prolonged standing
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Certain sleeping positions
Why Some Stretches Can Make Sciatica Worse
One of the most common mistakes sciatica sufferers make is aggressive stretching.
Forceful toe-touching, hamstring stretching, or improperly performed nerve flossing can:
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Increase tension on an already irritated nerve
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Pull directly on the sciatic nerve
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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 is usually irritating the nerve, not helping it recover.
A Safer At-Home Strategy: The Modified Runner’s Stretch
When appropriate, one movement we often recommend as part of a broader plan is a modified runner’s stretch.
Performed correctly, this stretch may help:
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Reduce compressive forces in the lower 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 type of stretch is intended to support healing, not replace proper evaluation or care when disc compression is present.
When 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 persisted for months or years
Then the disc is often still placing pressure on the nerve.
In these cases, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may be an appropriate option for some patients.
At our clinic, spinal decompression is not performed as generic traction. When indicated, it is carefully customized based on imaging, examination findings, and how the body responds as care progresses.
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 continued to experience disc-related sciatica even after surgery. Addressing disc pressure rather than masking pain allowed him to return to daily 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 why proper equipment and individualized care matter.
“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 rather than 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 limiting your ability to sit, sleep, work, or stay active, addressing the cause early can make a meaningful difference.
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 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.