If you’ve ever felt a sharp, burning, or electric pain run from your low back down into your hip or leg, you already know how hard it is to ignore. Most people call it sciatica, and one of the most common questions we hear at our Johns Creek office is, “why does sciatica keep coming back?” Dr. Fanning sees it every week, and the answer is usually that the real cause was never found. If you’d like a quick overview first, our guide to seeing a sciatica chiropractor is a good place to start.
What Sciatica Actually Is
Sciatica isn’t a diagnosis on its own. It’s a description of symptoms: pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your hips and down each leg.1 Something is irritating or pinching that nerve, and the real question is what.
Common causes include:
- A bulging or herniated disc
- Joint restriction in the lower spine or pelvis
- Tight muscles pressing on the nerve
- Spinal stress built up over years of sitting, lifting, or old injuries
Why Sciatica Keeps Coming Back: Rest and Stretching Often Aren’t Enough
Many people try to wait it out, or stretch the leg that hurts. Sometimes that brings short-term relief, but if the underlying cause is still there, the pain tends to come back. Treating only where it hurts misses where it started. That’s why we look at the whole picture: your spine, your posture, how you move, and how your nervous system is functioning. Not sure whether to reach for ice or heat in the meantime? We break that down in Ice vs. Heat: What to Use and When.
How We Find the Cause of Your Sciatica
At Johns Creek Chiropractic, we don’t guess. Dr. Fanning uses advanced diagnostics, including a CORE Score spinal and nervous system exam, digital X-rays when they’re needed, and posture and foot scans, to find out what is actually driving your symptoms. You’ll see your findings and have them explained in plain language, so you understand what’s happening and what your options are.
From there, we build a care plan around you. Depending on what we find, that may include chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression therapy (here’s how it relieves pain), or other non-invasive, natural approaches. Every plan is individual, and results vary from person to person. You can also read more on our sciatica care page.
New Patient Special: Start for $129
Your first visit includes a one-on-one consultation with the doctor, a CORE Score spinal exam, digital X-rays if needed, a posture and foot exam, your first adjustment, and a personalized review of your results.
When to Get Checked Sooner
Seek urgent medical care right away if you have:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
- Sudden, progressive weakness in a leg
For most people, sciatica isn’t an emergency, and many cases improve over time with self-care.1 But if your pain has lasted more than a week or two, keeps returning, or is starting to limit your work, sleep, or time with family, it’s worth having it looked at rather than hoping it passes. Lasting results usually come from addressing the cause, which is why we talk with patients about why ongoing care matters. We also offer flexible ways to pay for your care and are happy to verify your insurance.
Our Promise to You
We treat every patient the way we’d treat a friend or family member, as if you’ve been with us for 30 years. That means honest answers, respect for your time, and fair fees with no hidden surprises. Have a question first? Check our frequently asked questions or contact us.
Ready to find out what’s behind your leg pain?
Call or text (770) 623-6880, book online, or send us a message. We’d love to help you get back to moving comfortably.
Sources
1 Cleveland Clinic. Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment. ↩
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional about your specific situation.
