If you’ve been dealing with sciatica for weeks — or even months — you’re probably asking yourself:
“Why isn’t this going away?”
Many people assume sciatica will resolve with rest, stretching, or time. And sometimes it does.
But when leg pain lasts longer than 6 weeks and isn’t improving, there is usually a deeper reason.
In many cases, persistent sciatica is caused by disc compression placing pressure on a spinal nerve.
This is not simply a tight muscle.
When a disc in the lower spine bulges or herniates, it can irritate the nerve root. As long as that pressure remains, symptoms often continue.
You may notice:
Pain radiating from the low back into the glute, hamstring, calf, or foot
Numbness or tingling
Burning or electric sensations
Weakness in the leg
Pain that worsens with sitting
Pain that wakes you up at night
If these symptoms are still present after several weeks, the disc pressure likely hasn’t been properly addressed.
One of the biggest misconceptions about sciatica is that it should be stretched out.
But when the nerve is irritated from disc compression, aggressive stretching can sometimes increase tension and inflammation.
If your sciatica is not improving, here are three immediate steps you can take:
1️⃣ Limit prolonged sitting – Sitting increases disc pressure significantly.
2️⃣ Stay well hydrated – Discs depend on hydration for resilience and recovery.
3️⃣ Pause stretching and heavy exercise temporarily – Allow the nerve irritation to calm down.
These steps don’t “fix” disc compression — but they can reduce aggravation.
Over the past 21 years, I have performed over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments here in San Diego.
What I’ve consistently seen is this:
When disc compression is mild and caught early, symptoms often resolve faster.
When someone waits months hoping it will disappear, the disc irritation can become more stubborn and harder to calm down.
The earlier the correct diagnosis is made, the better the outcome tends to be.
You should consider a more thorough evaluation if:
Your sciatica has lasted longer than 6 weeks
Pain radiates below the knee
Symptoms are constant rather than occasional
Sitting is becoming intolerable
You’ve already tried physical therapy, chiropractic, injections, or medication without lasting relief
At that point, it’s important to determine whether disc compression is still present.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, we do not guess.
As a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, I focus on determining:
Is this truly disc-related sciatica?
Is the patient a candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?
Or is a different approach more appropriate?
Not every patient qualifies for decompression therapy. Proper screening is critical.
If someone is not a candidate, we are honest about that.
When disc compression is confirmed, we use the FDA-cleared DRX9000 system to help reduce pressure within the affected disc.
Unlike general traction or inversion tables, true spinal decompression is:
Computer-controlled
Precisely targeted
Gradually progressive
Based on individualized protocols
Reducing disc pressure allows the nerve irritation to calm down and gives the body an opportunity to heal.
However, decompression is only one part of care.
Long-term relief requires addressing muscle imbalances, core stability, and movement patterns to prevent recurrence.
After performing over 100,000 decompression treatments over 21 years, patterns become very clear.
The most common regret patients share is:
“I wish I would have addressed this sooner.”
Many of our patients come from across San Diego — and even from other states — after trying multiple conservative options without lasting results.
Early evaluation makes a significant difference.
If your leg pain has lasted longer than 6 weeks and is not getting better, it may not resolve on its own.
You don’t necessarily need surgery.
But you do need the right diagnosis.
We offer a no-charge consultation to determine whether you are a candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.
Because each case requires careful evaluation, new patient openings are limited each week.
Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC
Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
Over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments performed
Helping patients avoid unnecessary back surgery for over 21 years
📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
📞 619-298-0800 (24/7 answering service)
📲 619-884-8298 (Text line)
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
If your sciatica isn’t going away, the next step is clarity.
Get evaluated. Know the cause. Then decide the best path forward.
Schedule a Complimentary, No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation or to submit a question, simply fill out the form to the right and click submit.
(619) 298-0800