Sciatica in Murfreesboro, TN
Non-surgical, drug-free relief for the radiating leg pain caused by sciatic nerve irritation — designed to fix the root cause, not just mask the symptoms.
Sciatica is pain that radiates from the lower back through the hip and down one leg, caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. Common triggers include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and piriformis syndrome. At The Disc Doctor in Murfreesboro, TN, sciatica is treated non-surgically through spinal decompression and chiropractic care that relieves nerve pressure at its source.
Or call us directly: (615) 617-5550


Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Matthew T. Jacobs, DC
Doctor of Chiropractic · Practicing since 2018 · The Disc Doctor, Murfreesboro, TN
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in the body — which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica is not a diagnosis itself but a symptom of an underlying problem, most commonly a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis that presses on part of the sciatic nerve. The compression causes inflammation, pain, and often some numbness in the affected leg.
Sources: Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org/sciatica), Cleveland Clinic (clevelandclinic.org/sciatica), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (ninds.nih.gov)
Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. They typically affect only one side of the body and often worsen with sitting, coughing, or sneezing.
Radiating leg pain — sharp, burning, or electric-shock pain from lower back down the leg
Localized lower back pain — often less severe than the leg pain
Tingling or numbness — pins-and-needles sensation along the leg or foot
Muscle weakness — difficulty lifting the foot or standing on the affected leg
Pain when sitting — sitting often makes sciatica significantly worse
Pain that worsens with movement — coughing, sneezing, or straining can intensify the pain
Loss of bladder or bowel control — RARE but a medical emergency (cauda equina syndrome — seek immediate care)
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms — especially radiating leg pain that has lasted more than a few days — a consultation can pinpoint the exact cause and start you on a treatment plan.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is caused by something compressing or irritating the sciatic nerve. Identifying which structure is causing the compression is critical — because the right treatment depends on the right diagnosis.
Herniated or Bulging Disc
The most common cause. When a spinal disc in the lower back herniates, the soft inner material can press directly on the sciatic nerve root, causing radiating pain down the leg.
Spinal Stenosis
A narrowing of the spinal canal — usually from arthritis or age-related changes — that pinches the nerves running through it, including the sciatic nerve.
Piriformis Syndrome or Misalignment
The piriformis muscle in the buttock can spasm or tighten and compress the sciatic nerve as it passes underneath. Pelvic misalignment can also create or worsen this compression.
Our Non-Surgical Approach to Sciatica
At The Disc Doctor, sciatica treatment is built around relieving the specific source of nerve compression — without surgery, injections, or long-term medication. Most patients experience significant relief within the first 2-4 weeks of care.
Spinal Decompression
Our primary tool for sciatica. Computer-controlled traction gently opens compressed disc spaces in the lower back, relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve and allowing damaged discs to rehydrate.
Spinal Adjustments
Precision adjustments restore proper alignment in the lumbar spine and pelvis, reducing mechanical irritation of the sciatic nerve at its origin.
Laser Therapy
ActivPro LaserStim reduces inflammation around the irritated nerve and accelerates healing of soft tissues contributing to the compression.
What to Expect at The Disc Doctor
Every patient is different — but the process for finding lasting relief is consistent. Here is what to expect when you book a consultation for sciatica.
Root-Cause Diagnosis
A thorough evaluation with Dr. Jacobs to identify what's actually driving your sciatica pain — and rule out anything else.
Personalized Treatment Plan
A non-surgical, drug-free protocol combining spinal decompression, adjustments, and laser therapy — matched to the specific cause of your sciatica.
Lasting Recovery
Most patients feel meaningful relief within 2-4 weeks and continue improving with a recovery plan designed to keep you pain-free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica
The questions patients most often ask before scheduling.
Relief from Sciatica Starts Here
Let us help you take back your life from sciatica.
You don't have to live with radiating leg pain. The Disc Doctor's non-surgical approach has helped hundreds of sciatica patients across Murfreesboro and Rutherford County get back to sleeping through the night, sitting through workdays, and moving without pain. A consultation will identify what's actually causing your sciatica and build a plan to fix it.
Or call us directly: (615) 617-5550 · Murfreesboro, TN
Serving Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne, Christiana, Eagleville & all of Rutherford County.
