Sciatica Treatment In West Des Moines, IA
Content Reviewed by: Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, DC, BCN on November 10, 2026
Iowa Chiropractic License #085940 (NPI: 1568993574)
Sciatica Treatment At A Glance
Sciatica affects patients in West Des Moines ranging from desk workers to athletes, and it rarely resolves on its own without addressing the underlying cause. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, and when it is compressed or irritated, the resulting pain can travel the entire length of the leg and make sitting, standing, or walking feel impossible.
At Vero Health Center, we do not treat sciatica as a single diagnosis. We identify whether the compression is coming from a disc, a joint, a tight piriformis muscle, or a combination of factors, and we build the care plan around those specific findings. Many patients begin to notice changes within their first few weeks of structured care.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is the term used to describe symptoms produced by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or one of its contributing nerve roots. The sciatic nerve originates from nerve roots in the lower lumbar spine (L4 through S1) and passes through the pelvis and buttock before traveling down the back of the leg to the foot.
When one of the nerve roots that forms the sciatic nerve is compressed or inflamed, it produces symptoms along the distribution of the nerve. This is what creates the characteristic pattern of pain, tingling, or numbness that travels from the lower back through the buttock, hamstring, and calf, sometimes reaching the foot.
Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Identifying what is compressing or irritating the nerve is the essential first step in determining what type of care will be effective. At Vero Health Center, we evaluate the full clinical picture to identify the source before recommending any treatment.
Common Symptoms Of Sciatica
Sciatica produces a distinctive pattern of symptoms that most patients describe immediately when they come in for an evaluation.
The most common symptoms include a sharp, burning, or shooting pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and travels down the back of the thigh and calf. Some patients experience a constant aching in the leg rather than shooting pain. Tingling and numbness in the leg, calf, or foot are common, as is weakness in the affected leg with more severe nerve compression.
Symptoms tend to worsen with prolonged sitting, coughing, sneezing, or changing positions suddenly. Standing or walking sometimes provides temporary relief, while sitting for longer than a few minutes can make symptoms significantly worse. The functional impact is considerable: many sciatica patients report that they cannot sit through a meal, a work meeting, or a drive without significant pain.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica develops when the sciatic nerve or its contributing nerve roots are compressed or irritated. Several structural conditions can produce this effect.
Lumbar disc herniation is the most common cause. When a disc bulges or herniates in the lower lumbar spine, it can directly compress an adjacent nerve root. Even small herniations can produce significant sciatic nerve symptoms depending on their location and direction.
Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle in the buttock becomes tight or inflamed, compressing the sciatic nerve as it passes underneath or through it. This produces sciatica symptoms without disc involvement and is often missed in standard evaluations.
Lumbar spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that can occur with age-related degeneration, reduces the space available for nerve roots and can produce bilateral or positional sciatic symptoms.
Facet joint dysfunction and spondylolisthesis can also reduce the space through which nerve roots travel, producing nerve irritation that mimics disc-related sciatica.
Conditions That Can Mimic Sciatica
Several conditions produce leg pain that resembles sciatica but has a different origin. Peripheral neuropathy from diabetes or other systemic causes can produce burning, tingling, and numbness in the legs and feet without any spinal compression. Hip joint degeneration or a labral tear can cause buttock and thigh pain that a patient may describe as sciatic. Hamstring strain and pelvic dysfunction can also produce symptoms that travel down the posterior thigh. An accurate diagnosis is essential because these conditions require different treatment approaches, and treating the wrong source produces no meaningful improvement.
When To Seek Urgent Care For Sciatica
Most sciatica responds well to conservative chiropractic care. Seek urgent medical attention if sciatica is accompanied by loss of bladder or bowel control, sudden severe weakness in the affected leg, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or pain that follows a significant fall or trauma. These symptoms may indicate cauda equina syndrome or another serious spinal condition that requires immediate medical evaluation.
What Our Patients Are Saying
How We Diagnose Sciatica At Vero Health Center
Sciatica diagnosis at Vero Health Center begins by identifying the specific nerve root or structure involved. We use neurological scanning to assess nerve function and identify levels of spinal interference. Orthopedic testing, including straight leg raise testing and slump testing, helps confirm sciatic nerve irritation and its likely source. Spinal motion testing and palpation identify areas of disc involvement, joint dysfunction, and muscle restriction.
Where the clinical presentation warrants it, we review existing imaging or recommend lumbar X-rays to assess alignment and disc space. If MRI findings are available, we factor those into the evaluation. The goal is to identify the specific structural source of nerve compression so care addresses that source directly.
How Vero Health Center Treats Sciatica
Sciatica treatment at Vero Health Center targets the specific structure compressing or irritating the sciatic nerve. The care plan is built around what the evaluation reveals.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Targeted adjustments to the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint restore normal joint mechanics, reduce pressure on irritated nerve roots, and address the spinal dysfunction contributing to nerve compression.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
For sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation, disc bulging, or disc-related pressure on nerve roots, spinal decompression therapy may be included as a primary part of care. Decompression is used when the evaluation confirms disc involvement and may help reduce pressure on irritated nerve structures contributing to radiating leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Shockwave Therapy For Piriformis And Local Irritation
When piriformis syndrome, muscle guarding, hip-region irritation, or chronic inflammation is contributing to sciatic nerve symptoms, shockwave therapy may be included as part of the care plan. SoftWave therapy does not directly decompress a spinal nerve, but it may support targeted recovery in areas that are contributing to pain, stiffness, and restricted movement.
Home Exercise Support For Sciatica Management
When appropriate, home exercises may be recommended to support lumbar stability, hip mobility, and healthier movement patterns. The goal is to help reduce the loading patterns that can contribute to ongoing sciatic nerve irritation and support long-term management outside the office.
Why Early Treatment Matters For Sciatica
Sciatic nerve irritation that is left unaddressed tends to become more entrenched. Inflammation around the affected nerve root can spread to adjacent structures, and compensatory movement patterns driven by pain begin to create secondary mechanical problems. Early care reduces nerve irritation before chronic inflammatory changes develop, and it allows normal movement patterns to be restored while they are still easier to correct.
Meet The Experts Behind Your Care
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, D.C.
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons is originally from Ames, IA. He played college football at South Dakota State and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a master’s degree in Nutrition, Exercise and Food Sciences in a five-year span. He then attended the fountainhead, Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Dr. Logan Dabney, D.C.
Dr. Logan Dabney is originally from Centerville, IA. He attended Centerville High School, where he discovered his passion for health and science as a frequent visitor to his hometown chiropractor. He then attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he majored in Pre-Med/Chiropractic Biology, before completing his graduate studies at Palmer College of Chiropractic. During his time at Palmer, Dr. Logan was heavily involved in Torque Release Technique and earned Advanced Proficiency Certification in it.
Dr. Scott Coyle, D.C.
Dr. E. Scott Coyle is originally from Waterloo, IA. He graduated from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic-West. After practicing in California for several years, he returned to Knoxville, IA, in 1997, where he practiced until 2016. Dr. Coyle then worked in robotic spine and brain surgery for two years with Mazor Robotics, and practiced in Lawrence, KS, for two years before returning home to join the Vero Health Center team. He works with patients dealing with chronic neck, mid-back, and low-back pain, headaches, and arthritis-related discomfort.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger, D.C.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger is originally from Sumner, Iowa. He studied Biology at the University of Northern Iowa, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic. He chose to pursue chiropractic at a young age as he has always had a passion for helping others.
Dr. Nate Halverson, D.C.
Dr. Nate Halverson is originally from Fort Dodge, IA, where he was a multi-sport athlete at Fort Dodge Senior High and placed 5th at the Iowa High School wrestling tournament. He found his passion for holistic health care through his background in athletics. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa, he graduated with honors from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, in 2015. He then worked as the lead chiropractor for a chiropractic and sports injury practice in Chicago before moving back to the Des Moines area with his wife, Leah, to be closer to family. They welcomed their daughter, Hayes, in April 2022 and their son, Steele, in June 2024.
Dr. Colby Nelson, D.C.
Dr. Colby Nelson is originally from Audubon, Iowa. He attended Iowa State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, where he received his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. During his time at Palmer, he was a leader of the Sports Injury Club and participated in a clinic abroad program in Brazil. Before joining the team at Vero, Dr. Colby operated his own chiropractic clinic for 12 years.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom, D.C.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom is originally from Britt, IA. He received his BS degree from Central College and his Doctorate degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. Before joining the team at Vero Health Center, he owned his own practice in both Ames and Ankeny. In his free time, he enjoys coaching football, exercising, and spending time with his wife Amanda and their four kids, Tate, Harper, Holland, and Harlow.
Dr. Darrius Poe, D.C.
Dr. Darrius Poe is originally from Fort Dodge, Iowa. He attended the University of Northern Iowa where he earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. While in undergrad, he discovered his passion for chiropractic after being treated for a sports injury in a chiropractic clinic. Not only did the chiropractic treatments help with his shoulder injury, he was also educated on the intricacies of the central nervous system and how chiropractic care can help the body heal and function better as a whole. Dr. Darrius’ experience as a chiropractic patient motivated him to pursue a career in chiropractic. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, where he received his doctorate in 2018. Prior to joining the Vero team, Dr. Darrius served as an associate and clinic director for six years in the Des Moines metro area.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone, D.C.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone is originally from Smyrna, Delaware. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology. He then pursued a doctorate degree in chiropractic and graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Dr. Toby also attended Harris School of Business in Dover, Delaware, where he earned a degree in Massage Therapy. He has worked as a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2016. He specializes in sports massage, deep tissue, and gua sha. His passion is to help others to achieve optimal health and wellness. He has certifications in the Webster’s Technique and acupuncture.
Dr. Scott Jacobson, D.C.
Dr. Scott Jacobson grew up in Cherokee, Iowa, and has spent more than 17 years in practice across Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, California, and South America. While living in South America, he helped grow a clinic into one of the largest on the continent and became bilingual in Spanish along the way. He is Board Certified in Neuropathy (BCN) through the American College of Physical Medicine (ACoPM) and previously served in the United States Air Force and worked with the Department of Defense. Dr. Scott Jacobson has also been a black belt in Taekwondo for 40 years. He and his wife have two sons—so apparently he enjoys a challenge both professionally and at home.
Serving West Des Moines And Nearby Iowa Communities
Vero Health Center is located at 630 S 50th St in West Des Moines, Iowa, and serves patients from West Des Moines, Clive, Windsor Heights, Urbandale, Des Moines, Johnston, Norwalk, Waukee, Grimes, Saylorville, Van Meter, Pleasant Hill, Ankeny, Dallas Center, Granger, Polk City, De Soto, Carlisle, Adel, Altoona, Bondurant, Indianola, Cumming, and the surrounding area.
Sources And Clinical References
- Source: Mayo Clinic: Sciatica
- Source: NCBI Bookshelf: Sciatica
- Source: NCBI Bookshelf: Low Back Pain: Evaluation and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sciatica last without treatment?
Sciatica caused by a disc herniation can sometimes resolve on its own within 6 to 12 weeks, but this depends on the size and location of the herniation and whether the underlying spinal dysfunction is also present. Many patients find that symptoms return or worsen without addressing the structural cause.
Can chiropractic care make sciatica worse?
When care is appropriate to the diagnosis, chiropractic treatment is unlikely to worsen sciatica. We evaluate each case thoroughly before recommending any treatment, and we adapt the approach based on what we find. If your case is not suited to chiropractic care, we will tell you that.
Should I see a chiropractor or a surgeon for sciatica?
Chiropractic care is generally recommended as a first-line conservative approach for sciatica without neurological emergency signs. Surgery is typically considered only when conservative care has not produced improvement after a reasonable trial, or when the patient presents with significant neurological deficits. We will give you an honest assessment of what conservative care is likely to achieve for your case.
Does sciatica always involve lower back pain?
Not always. Some patients experience sciatic symptoms primarily in the buttock, leg, or foot without significant low back pain. This can occur when the nerve root irritation is producing more referred and radiating symptoms than local spinal pain.
Can sciatica affect both legs at the same time?
True bilateral sciatica is less common and can be a sign of a more serious condition such as cauda equina syndrome. If you are experiencing symptoms in both legs simultaneously, particularly with any bladder or bowel changes, seek urgent medical evaluation.
Helpful Articles
The Source:A Vero Health Center Newsletter – Volume 107
The Source: A Vero Health Center Newsletter - Volume 107 A Vero Health Center Newsletter - Volume 107 Voting is open for CityView’s Best of Des Moines 2027, and we’d...
Read This ArticleBook Sciatica Treatment in West Des Moines
Shooting leg pain, numbness, and the inability to sit or stand comfortably are signs that something needs to be evaluated, not managed. Vero Health Center identifies the specific source of your sciatic nerve irritation and builds care around those findings. Contact us to schedule your evaluation.