Sciatica and low back pain care in Torrance
Aching in the lower back, or sharp pain that shoots down your leg, can make it hard to sit, sleep or work. Dr. Roozbeh Sahrai, D.C., QME, offers gentle, low-force care and explains what’s causing your pain.
- Gentle, low-force adjustments
- Same-day visits often available
- Every step explained
Get medical care right away if you have loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, leg weakness that’s getting worse, or back pain with a fever or after a serious fall or accident.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is pain that travels from the lower back or buttock down the back of the leg, along the path of the sciatic nerve. It happens when a nerve root in the lower back gets irritated or squeezed.
It often comes with numbness, tingling or a burning feeling in the leg or foot. It usually affects one side, and it can feel worse when you sit for a long time, bend or cough.
Common causes
Understanding what’s behind your pain shapes how we treat it.
Bulging or herniated disc
A disc in the lower back presses on a nearby nerve root.
Muscle strain
Lifting, twisting or a sudden movement strains the muscles of the lower back.
Long hours of sitting
Desk work, driving and poor posture put steady pressure on the lower back.
Spinal stenosis
Narrowing around the nerves, more common after age 50.
Tight hip muscles
Tightness deep in the buttock can irritate the sciatic nerve.
Pregnancy
Changes in posture and weight can bring on sciatica, especially later in pregnancy.
How we treat it
- Gentle, low-force Activator adjustments, or manual adjustments when appropriate
- Rehab exercises to strengthen your core and improve mobility
- Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) and low-level (cold) laser therapy
- Myofascial release and massage therapy for tight muscles
- Advice on posture, sitting and lifting, and custom orthotics when your feet play a part
National guidelines from the American College of Physicians recommend non-drug treatments, such as spinal manipulation, massage, heat and exercise, as first steps for low back pain.
Dr. Sahrai asks new patients for three visits to see if he can help. If there’s little or no improvement, he recommends imaging or refers you to a pain management or orthopedic doctor.
From patients with back pain
“I went in for my sciatica that began thanks to wfh. I was initially very apprehensive about seeing a chiropractor but his method using the Activator Method put me at ease.”
“I have seen Dr. Sahrai for my disk bulge and radiating pain down my leg. After 2 weeks pain reduced tremendously and I was able to exercise and play volleyball.”
“I’ve had issues with my lower back for years and he has help alleviate my pain immensely. He spent the time to listen to my concerns and explain how he would approach my treatment based on that.”
Excerpts from real Google and Yelp reviews.
Sciatica and back pain questions
Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?
Many people with sciatica and low back pain improve with conservative care, such as gentle adjustments, exercise and soft tissue work. If you don’t improve within your first few visits, Dr. Sahrai will refer you for imaging or to a specialist.
Do I need an MRI first?
Usually not. Most back pain doesn’t need imaging at the start. Dr. Sahrai will refer you for imaging if your exam or your progress calls for it.
When is back pain an emergency?
Get medical care right away for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, leg weakness that’s getting worse, or back pain with a fever or after a serious fall or accident.
Is the treatment gentle?
Yes. Dr. Sahrai often uses the Activator Method, a low-force technique with no twisting or cracking. Manual adjustments are used only when appropriate.
Back pain slowing you down? Text us today.
4305 Torrance Blvd., Suite 100, Torrance, CA 90503
Monday to Friday 9 AM–6 PM, Saturday 9 AM–4 PM
Serving Torrance and the South Bay, including Redondo Beach, Gardena, Carson, San Pedro and Palos Verdes.
Also see: Car accident injury care, Workers’ comp and Sports injuries