Sciatica Relief in Mount Prospect, IL

Evidence-based, drug-free care for sciatica and radiating leg pain — serving Mount Prospect and Chicago’s northwest suburbs since 2000.

WHAT IS SCIATICA?

Evidence-Based Care That Gets Results

Sciatica is pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve — from the low back through the hip and buttock and down the leg. It’s a symptom, not a condition on its own: something in the low back, most often a herniated or bulging disc, is pressing on a nerve root.

Sciatica can range from a mild ache to pain sharp enough to make sitting, standing, or walking difficult. Dr. Vijay Patel and Dr. Hannah Synon evaluate exactly where the nerve is affected and why, then build a treatment plan around that specific cause. (Have low back pain without leg symptoms? See our Low Back Pain page.)

CAUSES WE TREAT

Causes of Sciatica We Treat

Our Mount Prospect office treats sciatica caused by the following:

Herniated or Bulging Disc

The most common cause of sciatic nerve irritation.

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress a nerve root.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Disc wear that affects a nearby nerve root.

Spondylolisthesis

A slipped vertebra pressing on a nerve.

Facet Syndrome

Irritated spinal joints involving nerve irritation.

Piriformis Irritation

A deep hip muscle irritating the sciatic nerve.

YOUR FIRST VISIT

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Step 1: Comprehensive Evaluation. Your first visit includes a full health history and physical exam. Dr. Patel or Dr. Synon will assess your posture, range of motion, and neurological function — including specific orthopedic tests for sciatica — to pinpoint exactly where and why the nerve is affected. X-rays may be taken on-site if clinically indicated.

Step 2: Your Personalized Treatment Plan. Based on your evaluation, your chiropractor will explain what’s causing your symptoms and recommend a plan built around your specific diagnosis and goals — whether that’s chiropractic care alone or combined with physical therapy or other services in our office.

Step 3: Treatment and Progress. Chiropractic adjustments are precise, controlled movements applied to the affected spinal joints to relieve nerve pressure and restore normal motion. Many patients notice improvement within the first several visits, and we reassess regularly to keep your plan on track.

WHY CHOOSE APMT

Why Patients Choose Advanced Physical Medicine & Therapy

25+ Years of Experience

Board-certified chiropractors serving Mount Prospect for over 25 years.

Evidence-Based Approach

Treatment recommendations grounded in current clinical research.

Integrated Care

Chiropractic, physical therapy, pain management and wellness care — all under one roof.

Thorough Evaluation

Careful screening before treatment, including referrals when needed.

97% Would Refer a Friend

Patient satisfaction backed by real outcomes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common Questions About Sciatica

Can chiropractic care help with sciatica?

A randomized, double-blind clinical trial of patients with sciatica from a disc problem (Spine Journal, 2006) found that real spinal manipulation was more likely to resolve radiating leg pain than a simulated treatment, with no adverse events reported. Results vary by patient — Dr. Patel or Dr. Synon will confirm chiropractic care is right for your case at your evaluation.

Is chiropractic manipulation safe if I have a herniated or bulging disc?

For appropriately screened patients, yes. The same 2006 trial found no adverse events among patients with MRI-confirmed disc protrusion who received spinal manipulation. Dr. Patel and Dr. Synon perform a thorough exam before any treatment to confirm it’s safe and appropriate for you.

Can chiropractic care help me avoid back surgery for sciatica?

For some patients, it can be worth trying first. A study of patients with disc-related sciatica who had already tried other conservative treatment (J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 2010) found 60% who received spinal manipulation had outcomes comparable to surgery. Those who went on to have surgery anyway still saw excellent results. This is a decision to make together with your chiropractor and, where relevant, your surgeon — individual results vary.

Does chiropractic care reduce the need for pain medication?

A 2025 study (PLOS ONE) found patients with sciatica who started with chiropractic spinal manipulation had significantly fewer opioid-related complications over the following year than those who received usual medical care, and were less likely to be prescribed an opioid at all. This is population-level research, not a promise for any individual patient.

How many visits will I need?

It depends on your diagnosis, how long you’ve had symptoms, and your goals. Some patients feel meaningful relief in 3 to 6 visits; a disc-related sciatica case may need a longer plan. Dr. Patel or Dr. Synon will give you an honest recommendation after your evaluation.

Does insurance cover treatment for sciatica?

ost major plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Medicare, cover medically necessary chiropractic care. We have cash treatment plans for patients who do not have insurance or have out of network plans. Our front desk verifies your benefits before your first visit. We also see workers’ compensation and personal injury cases.

Is chiropractic care for sciatica backed by research?

Yes. Several published studies support it:

A randomized trial (Spine Journal, 2006) found patients with disc-related sciatica were more likely to become pain-free with real spinal manipulation than a sham treatment, with no adverse events.
A study of patients who’d tried other treatment first (J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 2010) found 60% avoided surgery with outcomes comparable to those who had surgery.
A 2025 study (PLOS ONE) found patients who started with chiropractic care had significantly fewer opioid-related complications than those on usual medical care.

These are population-level findings, not a guarantee for your specific case. Dr. Patel or Dr. Synon will confirm chiropractic care is right for you at your evaluation.

Ready to Get Relief from Sciatica?

Call our Mount Prospect office at 847-222-9060 or request an appointment online. Same-week appointments are often available.

Sciatica