The location of the pain is only part of the picture
Tell us whether sitting, walking, bending or another activity changes the symptoms. We also need to know about numbness, weakness and changes over time. Not every leg symptom comes from a nerve root in the lower back.
What Dr. Koser checks
The Optimal Spine Evaluation includes a conversation about your history and symptoms, followed by the examination. Neurological and orthopedic findings help guide whether care here is appropriate, more information is needed or another type of assessment should take priority.
Care we may discuss
Dr. Koser connects your symptoms and examination with the care he recommends. Options at the clinic include chiropractic adjustments, progressive corrective exercise and nonsurgical decompression. Selected muscle work, such as percussion therapy or contract-relax stretching, can be considered when it fits your findings. You’ll know why an option is included and how your response will be checked.
Build toward the activities that matter to you
Tell us what the symptoms are keeping you from doing. That might be walking, sitting through work or getting back to training. Your response and ability to perform the selected activities help guide changes to the plan.
Symptoms that should not wait for an appointment request
New trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, numbness around the groin or saddle area, or severe or worsening weakness in both legs needs emergency medical assessment. Do not wait for the clinic to return a website inquiry.
Before you visit
Your questions, answered.
Is sciatica the same as lumbar radiculopathy?
The terms overlap in everyday conversation. Lumbar radiculopathy refers to a lower-back nerve-root problem; “sciatica” is often used to describe the traveling leg symptoms. The cause still needs assessment.
Could decompression be part of my care?
It is one option to consider after an evaluation. The cause of your symptoms, examination findings and the limits of the evidence all matter. Dr. Koser explains whether it fits and what other options to consider; a particular result cannot be promised.
Can I use your exercises without an evaluation?
The clinic’s exercise plans are individualized. A program chosen for someone else may not fit your symptoms or findings.