Sciatica, Low Back Pain & Disc Care in West Plano, TX

Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide — and one of the most common reasons patients walk through the doors of FreeForm Chiropractic - West Plano. Whether the pain is mechanical, disc-related, or radiating down the leg as sciatica, the path to relief starts with an accurate diagnosis.

What sciatica actually is

Sciatica refers to symptoms — sharp pain, burning, numbness, or weakness — that travel along the sciatic nerve from the low back through the buttock and down the leg. The underlying causes vary:

• Lumbar disc bulge or herniation compressing a nerve root
• Piriformis syndrome (muscular compression of the nerve)
• Lumbar facet joint dysfunction
• SI joint inflammation
• Pelvic misalignment from pregnancy, injury, or prolonged sitting

Getting the right diagnosis matters — treatment for piriformis syndrome looks very different than treatment for a disc herniation.

How Dr. Bloodworth evaluates low back and sciatica patients

1. Detailed history and orthopedic/neurological exam
2. Imaging when clinically indicated (X-ray or referral for MRI)
3. Functional movement screening to identify compensations
4. A clear, written care plan with milestones

Conservative care that works

For most patients, conservative chiropractic care produces meaningful relief without medication or injections:

• Spinal adjustments to restore joint motion
• Active Release Technique for hip and glute soft tissue
• Dry needling for muscle spasm and trigger points
• Targeted rehab to rebuild core and hip stability
• Ergonomic and lifestyle coaching to prevent recurrence

When to seek care

If low back pain has lasted more than a week, is radiating into the leg, or is interfering with sleep or work, get evaluated. Early conservative care is consistently associated with better long-term outcomes than waiting it out.

Schedule a low back evaluation