Sciatica Pain Getting Worse  San Diego, CA

Is Your Sciatica Pain Getting Worse Instead of Better?

Sciatica pain often starts gradually — stiffness in the low back, discomfort when sitting, or pain that travels into the hip or leg. For many people, it progresses into burning, shooting pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that interferes with sleep and daily life.

If your sciatica is getting worse, the problem is often not inflammation alone — it is mechanical pressure on the nerve, most commonly from a bulging or herniated disc.

Why Sciatica Pain Commonly Gets Worse Over Time

Many people are advised to:

• Stretch more

• Sit less

• Take medications

• “Wait it out”

While these may temporarily reduce symptoms, they often fail to address why the nerve is being irritated in the first place.

In disc-related sciatica, the disc places pressure on the nerve root. When that pressure isn’t reduced, the nerve remains irritated — and symptoms often intensify.

Why Aggressive Stretching Can Make Sciatica Worse

Forceful hamstring stretches, toe-touching, and improperly performed nerve flossing can:

• Increase nerve tension

• Pull against an already irritated nerve

• Drive symptoms farther down the leg

If stretching causes sharp pain, burning, or tingling into the foot, it is usually aggravating the nerve, not healing it.

A Safer At-Home Option: The Modified Runner’s Stretch

One stretch we commonly use as part of a broader sciatica plan is a modified runner’s stretch.

When performed correctly, it can:

• Reduce lumbar disc pressure

• Improve pelvic mechanics

• Avoid direct traction on the sciatic nerve

Key Guidelines

• Neutral spine position

• Slow breathing

• No forcing into pain

• Symptoms should centralize (move out of the leg), not worsen

This stretch is supportive, not corrective on its own.

When Stretching Isn’t Enough

If sciatica:

• Returns repeatedly

• Worsens with sitting or driving

• Disrupts sleep

• Has lasted months or years

Then disc compression is likely still present.

In these cases, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may be appropriate.

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 surgery and still developed disc-related sciatica. Addressing disc pressure — not masking pain — allowed him to return to normal life.

“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 precision and experience. Lisa’s case highlights why protocol and equipment 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 reducing disc pressure rather than managing symptoms 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 you’re dealing with sciatica caused by disc compression, now is the time to address it before the condition becomes harder to correct.

How to get started:

1. Call (619) 298-0800 or text (619) 884-8298

2. Schedule your no-charge consultation

3. Bring MRI or X-rays if available

4. 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