Sciatica Nerve Pain Treatment in Mooresville, NC

Sciatica can cause pain that travels from the lower back into the hip and leg. It can affect sitting, walking, and sleeping. Many patients seek sciatica treatment when symptoms persist or return without a clear reason.

Dr. John Ashcraft, DC, takes the time to identify what is truly irritating the sciatic nerve, often looking beyond the surface symptoms. He works with Dr. Haley Huck, DC, and Dr. Connor Donoghue, DC, to provide consistent, patient-focused care. Your first visit includes a detailed assessment of spinal alignment, joint movement, posture, and surrounding soft tissues. This helps determine whether the pain is linked to disc changes, joint restriction, or muscle-related pressure.

Call us at (704) 218-9161 to discuss your concerns.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that runs along the sciatic nerve, typically from the lower back or buttocks down into the leg. There are two main sources. It can come directly from the lumbar and pelvic spine, where the nerves are being affected at that level.

It can also come from piriformis syndrome, where a muscle in the deep gluteal area sits on top of the sciatic nerve. When that muscle gets triggered, it compresses the sciatic nerve and produces the same symptoms as a lumbar disc issue. Both can be present at the same time.

What Are the Causes of Sciatica?

The most common root cause is a nerve imbalance in the lower back and pelvic region. It is more common in people who are sedentary and spend a lot of time sitting than in people who are more active.

The two main contributing factors are:

Nerve impingement at the lumbar and pelvic spine
Piriformis syndrome, where the deep gluteal muscle compresses the sciatic nerve

What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica?

The most common symptom is low back and leg pain. If the condition persists without being addressed, it can progress to:

Drop foot (inability to lift the front of the foot)
Calf atrophy (muscle wasting in the lower leg)
Significant weakness on the affected side
An altered gait pattern, which then puts stress on the rest of the spine

The same nerve pathways that affect the sciatic nerve also control bowel, bladder, and sex organ function. Patients with sciatica are asked about constipation, irregular menstrual cycles, pain with cycles, and erectile dysfunction, because all of these can connect back to the same root cause.

How Do We Diagnose Sciatica?

The exam tests both the lumbar spine and the gluteal and piriformis region to identify which area is involved, or whether both are contributing to the condition.

Many chiropractors only manipulate the lower back and miss the gluteal and pelvic components entirely. At our clinic, both areas are assessed in every sciatica case, so nothing is overlooked.

The same diagnostic tools used for back and neck conditions are applied here: hands-on physical exam, SEMG and thermal nerve scanning, and digital X-rays whenever needed.

Sciatica Treatment Plan

Treatment targets both the lumbar spine (lower back) and the lumbopelvic (hip) region, depending on where the issue is coming from.

Soft tissue release techniques are applied to the hip muscles
Spinal adjustments are performed at areas of subluxation and nerve imbalance in the lumbopelvic region
SoftWave therapy will also be used to support the body’s natural repair process

Active care is three days a week. The sooner the nerve impingement is addressed, the better the outcome. Long-standing nerve irritation may be harder to manage, which is why early evaluation is important.

Sciatica Patient Testimonials & Reviews

Bruce Swanson

Very caring and knowledgeable folks. They treated me with the utmost respect and kindness, the staff explained every step and made sure I understood. I have been a steady patient of chiropractic since 2007 at another top rated clinic and I’ve never received the thorough treatment and care I received from Chiropractic Life of Mootesville. I will definitely continue to seek my chiropractic help from them for years to come!

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Lisa Spade

Not one to write reviews but the doctors here have been such a blessing! I’m pregnant with my first child and have scoliosis. I’ve been experiencing sciatic pain for years and since going to Chirolife regularly, I’ve noticed a huge difference in how little I experience it now, even with a growing tummy.

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Emily Shorkey

I’ve been to several chiropractors across different states over 10 years, and Dr. A is, without question, the most knowledgeable and effective chiropractor I’ve worked with. The entire staff at Chirolife Wellness is equally exceptional - professional, welcoming, and genuinely invested in your well-being. Even though I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about the benefits of chiropractic care, Chirolife Wellness exceeded my expectations with how holistic and comprehensive their approach is. The team takes the time to thoroughly explain your individualized treatment plan and strategies to improve your health (beyond the standard stretching/exercise

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Alexis Thompson

I started seeing Dr. Haley Huck to help with pain related to pregnancy. She was amazing at helping relieve that pain and overall educating me on the chiropractic way. Now, after the birth of my son, I have continued to see Dr. Huck and she is changing my life. The adjustments, education, and connection that she provides at every appointment is restoring wellness and healing in so many areas of my life. Why have I not done this sooner?! If you’re on the fence about whether or not to try a chiropractor, hop on over to ChiroLife Wellness and see Dr. Huck. From one mom to another, it’s worth it! ✨

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Tawanna Heaggans

These professionals have been a part of my life for at least 5 years. Both Dr. Ashcroft & Dr. Donahue are so caring & personable. The staff are always warm & welcoming. I get my regular adjustments and take advantage of their sauna. When I’m ready to leave, I float out of the office. So thankful I found them.

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Tom Onsrud

Everyone at ChiroLife Wellness Center is super profesional, Extremely nice, got me in and out quickly. Very Nice Facility, and equipment. Easy to make future appointments. Remembered me immediately even though I had not been in there in 5 years. Could not have been a Better Experience !

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Book An Appointment | ChiroLife Wellness Center

If sciatica symptoms are affecting your daily activities, a clinical consultation can help identify the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options.

Your visit includes a detailed assessment, a clear explanation of findings, and a personalized care plan based on your condition.

Call us at (704) 218-9161 or book online using the tool below.

LET US HELP YOU

Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica Treatment

Can sciatica go away without any treatment?
When you have impingement of a nerve structure, the longer it stays there, the harder it becomes to fully recover. If it has been present for a year or more, the chances of a complete recovery begin to decline.

You may develop drop foot, calf atrophy, persistent muscle weakness, and an altered gait pattern that then puts stress on the rest of the spine. Getting it evaluated and addressed early gives the body the best chance of recovering fully.

How long does sciatica treatment take?
The timeline depends on how long the condition has been present and how much neurological damage has built up over time. The same process applies here as with other conditions at our clinic.

Progress is checked every 30 days, and the care plan is adjusted based on how the patient is responding. Active care is three days a week until the goals are met.

Is chiropractic care effective for sciatica?
Yes. Chiropractors are well-trained to treat and manage sciatica. The key is making sure both the lumbar spine and the gluteal and piriformis region are being assessed and treated. Some practitioners only manipulate the low back and miss the gluteal and pelvic components, missing a significant part of the problem. In our clinic, both areas are tested and treated, so nothing is overlooked.

Does sciatica treatment hurt?
Sciatica treatment is designed to be gentle and comfortable. Most patients describe the care as comfortable rather than painful, and techniques are always adjusted to your comfort level and symptoms.

Will sciatica come back after treatment?
When you put the hard work in upfront and make that big commitment to getting the root cause corrected, you are going to spend a lot less time, energy, and resources on your health down the road.

Sciatica that is left unchecked moves from one phase to the next. Addressing the underlying cause early may help reduce recurring episodes.

What are the long-term effects of ignoring sciatica?
If the nerve impingement is present for a year or 18 months, the likelihood of a full recovery starts to decrease.

Long-term consequences include drop foot, calf atrophy, persistent muscle weakness, altered gait, and progressive impact on the rest of the spine. Because certain nerve pathways may affect other body functions, our chiropractors may ask additional health questions during your evaluation. If you have sudden bowel or bladder changes, seek urgent medical care.

Content Reviewed by

Dr. John Ashcraft, DC

Author

Doctor of Chiropractic