SCIATICA & BULDGING DISCS

What Radiating Pain Is Really Telling You

Sciatica and disc-related back pain are often misunderstood — and frequently mistreated. If you’ve been told your pain is just a “pinched nerve” or that surgery is your only option, it’s time to take a deeper look.

Nerve pain is a signal, not a standalone problem. To truly resolve it, we need to understand the mechanics, inflammation, and neurological stress driving it.

Dr. Marcin Explains

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Why Sciatica & Disc Pain Happen

Both sciatica and disc herniation involve irritation or compression of a spinal nerve root, usually in the lower back. But the reasons this happens — and the ways it shows up — vary widely:

Prolonged sitting and spinal compression
Weak or inactive deep core muscles
Improper lifting mechanics or old injuries
Loss of spinal mobility (especially in hips and mid-back)
Chronic inflammation or overload of the nervous system

In some cases, a herniated or bulging disc puts direct pressure on a nerve. In others, inflammation or muscular tension in nearby tissue irritates the nerve indirectly.

Types of Sciatica & Disc-Related Pain

Not all radiating pain is the same. Dr. Marcin helps patients identify which of the following may be contributing to their symptoms:

True Sciatica
Involves compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve root in the lower spine. Pain often radiates down one leg and may be sharp, burning, or electric.
Disc Herniation or Bulge
A disc presses on a nerve root, leading to radiating pain, numbness, or weakness. Common in younger adults and those with poor lifting or sitting habits.
Piriformis Syndrome
The sciatic nerve is compressed by tight gluteal muscles — often confused with spinal sciatica, but treated differently.
Referred Pain
Sometimes leg or glute pain is referred from joints or muscles in the lower back — not a pinched nerve.
Central Sensitization
Long-term nerve irritation can cause the nervous system to become hypersensitive, exaggerating pain even when tissue damage has resolved.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Effective care begins with a clear diagnosis of what’s causing the nerve irritation — and a strategy to take pressure off the system. Dr. Marcin’s approach addresses:

Joint and disc mobility, reducing mechanical stress on the nerve
Nervous system regulation, helping the body exit a pain-amplifying state
Functional movement retraining, especially for bending, lifting, and sitting
Breathing and core stabilization, to support the spine from the inside out
Postural education and ergonomic adjustments tailored to your lifestyle

Many patients find relief without surgery by restoring alignment, mobility, and system balance.

Dr. Marcin’s Perspective

Dr. Marcin sees disc and nerve pain as part of a broader dysfunction — one that often includes breathing mechanics, stress load, muscle imbalances, and compensatory movement patterns. His care is precise, integrative, and focused on long-term outcomes, not short-term masking.

Respond to the Signal.

Healing your sciatica or disc pain holistically starts with taking the first step.

Good Health Society

Learn to understand and care for your sciatica or disc pain with expert-led programs designed to build lasting strength and resilience. Start with the Acute Back Pain Guide or go deeper through the full Good Back Academy.

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FAQ's

What is the difference between sciatica and a herniated disc?

Sciatica is a symptom — usually pain, tingling, or numbness down the leg — caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. A herniated disc is one possible cause of that compression, but not the only one. Other causes include muscular tension or joint dysfunction in the spine.

Can chiropractic care help with a bulging or herniated disc?

Yes, chiropractic care can help by relieving pressure on the affected nerve, restoring spinal mobility, and addressing movement patterns that caused the disc stress in the first place. Many patients improve without surgery when the right systems are addressed.

What does sciatica pain feel like?

Sciatica pain often feels sharp, burning, or radiating down the leg, sometimes with tingling or numbness. It may worsen with sitting, bending, or standing and typically affects one side of the body.

How long does it take to recover from a herniated disc?

Recovery time varies based on the severity of the disc issue and how early care begins. Many people improve significantly within a few weeks to months using conservative care that targets the root cause and supports healing.

What makes sciatica worse?

Prolonged sitting, poor lifting mechanics, lack of movement, and unresolved spinal or hip dysfunction can all worsen sciatica. Stress and nervous system tension may also amplify the pain response.