Neck Pain Relief in Burnaby
Shooting Leg Pain? That's Sciatica — and It's Treatable.
Sciatica can make sitting, standing, walking, and sleeping unbearable. At Adapt Spine Centre, our Gonstead chiropractors in Burnaby identify exactly where sciatic nerve compression is occurring and correct it with precision — without drugs, injections, or surgery.
40%
of adults will experience sciatica at some point in their lives
L4–S1
are the most common spinal levels involved in sciatic nerve compression
Drug-Free
relief through precise spinal correction
What is Sciatica?
Why Sciatica Causes Pain From Your Back to Your Foot
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body, running from your lower spine through your buttocks and down each leg to your feet. When the vertebrae in your lower back (particularly L4, L5, or S1) become misaligned, they can compress or irritate the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve.
The result is the characteristic shooting, burning, or electric pain that travels from the lower back through the buttock and down the back of the leg — sometimes all the way to the foot. Many patients also experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg.
Sciatica is not a diagnosis — it's a symptom of an underlying spinal problem. Treating the symptom alone (with painkillers or rest) provides temporary relief at best. The key is correcting the spinal misalignment that's compressing the nerve.
Sharp, shooting pain that travels from your lower back down one or both legs
Burning or electric sensation in the buttock, hamstring, or calf
Numbness or tingling in the leg, foot, or toes
Weakness in the leg or difficulty bearing weight
Pain that worsens when sitting, sneezing, or coughing
The Gonstead Approach to Sciatica
Finding and Fixing the Nerve Compression — Not Just Managing Pain
Sciatica requires precision. Because the sciatic nerve can be compressed at multiple levels of the lumbar and sacral spine, identifying exactly where the problem originates is essential. The Gonstead system's multi-step analysis — including weight-bearing X-rays, thermal scanning, and motion palpation — is uniquely suited to this challenge.
Locate the Source
We use X-ray analysis and thermal scanning to identify the precise spinal level where nerve compression is occurring — L4, L5, S1, or the sacroiliac joint — before making a single adjustment.
Targeted Lumbar Correction
Gonstead lumbar adjustments decompress the affected nerve root by restoring the vertebra to its proper position. Pressure comes off the nerve, inflammation reduces, and pain diminishes.
Progress Monitoring
Gonstead cervical adjustments are precise, controlled, and targeted to the exact level of misalignment. We never "crack" the neck indiscriminately — every adjustment has a specific purpose.
Common Questions
Sciatica FAQs
Can chiropractic care cure sciatica?
For the majority of sciatica cases caused by lumbar vertebral misalignment or disc pressure, Gonstead chiropractic care is highly effective at reducing and resolving symptoms. Your initial exam will clarify whether your sciatica is a good candidate for chiropractic care or whether other intervention is needed.
How long will it take to relieve my sciatica?
Mild to moderate sciatica cases often show significant improvement within 6–12 visits. More chronic or severe cases may require a longer care plan. We'll give you a clear timeline and milestones after your initial exam so you know what to expect.
Should I still see a chiropractor if I've been told I need surgery for sciatica?
Many patients avoid surgery by first pursuing conservative chiropractic care. We strongly recommend a thorough chiropractic evaluation before committing to surgery, as spinal correction often resolves the nerve compression that surgery would otherwise address. We will be honest with you about whether we can help.
You Shouldn't Have to Live with Sciatic Pain.
Book your initial exam at Adapt Spine Centre in Burnaby. We'll pinpoint exactly where your sciatic nerve is being compressed and give you a clear plan to get out of pain.
Located at 3961 Hastings Street #101, Burnaby BC · Open Mon–Sat · No referral required