FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica, Herniated Discs, Back Pain & Spinal Decompression

Not sure what your symptoms mean? Take the OKC Sciatica Check to organize your symptoms and understand what next step may make sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions do you treat?

At Precision Care Chiropractic, we commonly help patients suffering from:

• Sciatica
• Herniated discs
• Bulging discs
• Chronic back pain
• Neck pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Pinched nerves
• Auto accident injuries
• Degenerative disc conditions

Every patient receives a thorough evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their individual needs.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed. Symptoms often include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels from the lower back into the hip, buttock, leg, or foot. Sciatica is usually a symptom of an underlying problem rather than the actual cause itself.

What causes sciatica?

Several conditions may contribute to sciatica, including:

• Herniated discs
• Bulging discs
• Degenerative disc changes
• Spinal dysfunction
• Narrowing around spinal nerves

A comprehensive evaluation helps determine the most likely cause of your symptoms.

Can sciatica go away without surgery?

Many people experience improvement through conservative care. Treatment recommendations depend on the cause of symptoms, severity of nerve irritation, and overall health status. Our goal is to help patients explore non-surgical options whenever appropriate.

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc occurs when a portion of a spinal disc pushes through a weakened area of its outer layer. This may irritate nearby nerves and contribute to symptoms such as back pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, or weakness.

What is the difference between a herniated disc and a bulging disc?

A bulging disc occurs when a disc extends beyond its normal boundaries while remaining intact. A herniated disc occurs when disc material pushes through a weakened area of the outer layer. Both conditions can contribute to pain and nerve irritation.

What is spinal decompression therapy?

Spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to gently reduce pressure on spinal discs and nerves. It is commonly used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for certain disc-related conditions, including herniated discs, bulging discs, and sciatica.

Am I a candidate for spinal decompression?

The best way to determine whether spinal decompression is appropriate for you is through a consultation and examination. Factors such as your diagnosis, symptoms, health history, and imaging findings help determine whether decompression may be beneficial.

How long does treatment take?

Every patient is different. Treatment recommendations depend on:

• The severity of the condition
• How long symptoms have been present
• Overall health
• Treatment goals

Following an evaluation, we will discuss your findings and recommend a personalized treatment plan.

Do you accept insurance?

We work with many insurance plans and can help verify your benefits before beginning care. If you have questions about coverage, please contact our office and our team will be happy to assist you.

What should I expect during my first visit?

Your first visit typically includes:

• Health history review
• Consultation
• Examination
• Discussion of findings
• Personalized recommendations

Our goal is to help you understand what's causing your symptoms and what options may be available.

Do I need a referral?

In most cases, no referral is required to schedule an appointment. If you have questions regarding your specific insurance plan, our team can help clarify your coverage.

Can chiropractic care help with neck pain and headaches?

Many patients seek chiropractic care for neck pain, headaches, and posture-related discomfort. Following an examination, we will determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for your condition.

How soon should I seek care after a car accident?

Even minor accidents can cause injuries that may not become noticeable immediately. Early evaluation can help identify potential issues and allow appropriate treatment recommendations to be made.

Why do patients choose Precision Care Chiropractic?

Patients often choose Precision Care Chiropractic because of our:

• Personalized treatment plans
• Comprehensive evaluations
• Advanced spinal decompression options
• Focus on identifying the cause of the problem
• Clear communication and honest recommendations

• Compassionate approach to care

   

How do I get started?

The first step is scheduling a consultation. We'll take the time to understand your symptoms, perform a thorough evaluation, and discuss the treatment options that may be right for you.

What is OKC Sciatica Check?

OKC Sciatica Check is a non-diagnostic educational tool that helps Oklahoma City patients organize symptoms such as shooting leg pain, numbness, tingling, sitting/driving pain, and disc-related concerns before deciding what next step may make sense.

Does OKC Sciatica Check diagnose sciatica?

No. It does not diagnose sciatica, herniated discs, bulging discs, nerve compression, or any other condition. It helps you understand possible next-step categories and whether a conservative evaluation or urgent medical evaluation may be appropriate.

When should I seek urgent medical care instead of using the checker?

Seek immediate medical evaluation if you have loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or saddle area, sudden or worsening leg weakness, foot drop, severe symptoms after trauma, fever with severe back pain, or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms.

Can veterans use OKC Sciatica Check before asking about VA Community Care?

Yes. Veterans with back pain, sciatica-like symptoms, or numbness/tingling can use the checker to organize their symptoms. VA eligibility and authorization are determined by VA, not by the tool or the clinic.