Wellness Choice provides individualized,
non-surgical sciatica therapy in Costa Mesa, California,
helping patients understand and manage radiating leg pain,
numbness, tingling, and other symptoms associated with
sciatic nerve irritation.
Led by Dr. Lisa Parissi, DC, our approach begins
with an evaluation of spinal function, neurological findings,
posture, and the possible causes of sciatica before
recommending an individualized care plan.
Depending on clinical findings, care may include chiropractic
adjustments, non-surgical spinal decompression,
Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP®) methods,
corrective spinal traction, and rehabilitation.
We serve patients from Costa Mesa and throughout Orange County.
Explore Sciatica Therapy in Costa Mesa
Sciatica Therapy at Wellness Choice in Costa Mesa
Wellness Choice provides individualized
chiropractic evaluation and conservative care for sciatica
at our Costa Mesa office. Our approach focuses on understanding
the possible source of each patient's symptoms before
recommending treatment.
Sciatica is a symptom pattern rather than a single diagnosis.
Radiating pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the leg
can develop from different spinal and non-spinal conditions.
Because these conditions may require different approaches,
treatment should be guided by examination findings rather
than the symptom label alone.
Dr. Lisa Parissi evaluates spinal movement, neurological
function, posture, health history, and daily limitations
to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate
or additional medical evaluation is needed.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica commonly describes pain or nerve-related symptoms
that travel from the lower back or buttock into the leg.
The sciatic nerve originates from nerve roots in the lower
spine and travels through the pelvis and down the leg.
When a nerve root becomes irritated or compressed, symptoms
may include shooting or burning pain, tingling, numbness,
or weakness. Some people experience significant leg pain
with relatively little lower back discomfort.
Common Sciatica Symptoms
Pain radiating from the lower back or buttock into the leg
Burning, shooting, or electric-like discomfort
Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
Symptoms aggravated by certain sitting or bending positions
Difficulty standing, walking, or moving comfortably
Leg or foot weakness in some cases
Not every case of leg pain is caused by sciatica.
Hip conditions, muscular irritation, peripheral nerve
problems, and other disorders can produce similar symptoms.
An appropriate examination helps distinguish between
these possibilities.
Common Causes of Sciatica
Several conditions may contribute to sciatica or
sciatica-like symptoms. Identifying the likely cause
helps guide treatment recommendations.
Lumbar disc bulge or herniation:
Disc material may irritate a nearby spinal nerve root,
contributing to radiating pain, tingling, or numbness.
Degenerative spinal changes:
Changes affecting discs and joints may contribute
to narrowing around spinal nerves.
Lumbar spinal stenosis:
Narrowing of spaces around spinal nerves can cause
leg symptoms, sometimes aggravated by standing
or walking.
Spondylolisthesis or spinal instability:
Changes in vertebral positioning may affect spinal
mechanics or nerve structures.
Joint and muscular conditions:
Lumbar, pelvic, hip, or deep gluteal conditions
may produce symptoms resembling sciatica.
Structural spinal changes:
Scoliosis or altered spinal alignment may be
relevant in selected patients when supported
by clinical findings.
These conditions do not all respond to the same
treatment. A patient with disc-related symptoms
may have different needs from someone with
spinal stenosis, instability, or a muscular condition.
How We Evaluate Sciatica at Wellness Choice
A sciatica evaluation at Wellness Choice considers
the patient's symptoms, health history, neurological
findings, spinal movement, and functional limitations.
Comprehensive Examination
Detailed symptom and health history
Orthopedic and neurological examination
Muscle strength, reflex, and sensation assessment
Spinal mobility and movement evaluation
Posture and spinal alignment assessment
Hip and pelvic function assessment when appropriate
Imaging or referral when clinically indicated
Digital X-rays may help evaluate selected structural
findings, but they do not directly show spinal discs
or nerve roots. MRI or other medical testing may
be recommended when neurological findings, persistent
symptoms, or other clinical concerns warrant
further investigation.
The purpose of the examination is to determine
whether conservative chiropractic care is appropriate,
which treatment options may be suitable, and
whether another healthcare professional should
be involved.
Our Individualized Sciatica Treatment Approach
Wellness Choice offers several conservative treatment
options for selected sciatica presentations.
Treatment is individualized according to the
likely underlying condition, examination findings,
symptoms, and patient goals.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments or mobilization may
be appropriate when joint restriction or altered
spinal mechanics contributes to symptoms.
Technique selection depends on the patient's
clinical findings and suitability for care.
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression may be considered for selected
disc-related or compressive conditions. It uses
controlled spinal distraction and is not appropriate
for every case of sciatica.
Chiropractic BioPhysics® and Corrective Traction
When clinically relevant structural findings are
identified, Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective
methods and customized spinal traction may be
considered. Corrective traction differs from
decompression because it focuses on selected
spinal alignment findings.
At Wellness Choice, digital X-rays are required
before customized corrective spinal traction
is prescribed. Not every patient requires traction.
Rehabilitation and Supportive Therapies
Individualized exercises may address spinal mobility,
core stability, hip function, movement control,
and tolerance for daily activities. MLS laser therapy
may also be used as a supportive modality when appropriate.
No single treatment is automatically recommended
for every patient. Progress is reassessed, and
recommendations may change as symptoms and
clinical findings change.
When Sciatica Requires Medical Attention
Some symptoms require prompt medical evaluation
rather than routine conservative care.
Seek emergency medical attention
for new loss of bowel or bladder control,
numbness in the groin or saddle region,
or rapidly progressive leg weakness.
These findings may indicate serious
nerve compression.
Significant trauma, fever with severe back pain,
or other concerning neurological or medical
symptoms may also require urgent assessment.
Dr. Parissi may recommend additional testing
or referral when examination findings indicate
that chiropractic care is not the appropriate
first step.
Why Choose Wellness Choice for Sciatica Therapy?
At Wellness Choice, the goal is not simply
to apply a standard sciatica treatment.
Our approach emphasizes identifying the
likely source of symptoms and selecting
care that fits the patient's clinical findings.
Individualized orthopedic and neurological evaluation
Care led by Dr. Lisa Parissi, DC
Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective methods
Non-surgical spinal decompression when appropriate
Digital spinal assessment and imaging when indicated
Customized rehabilitation and movement strategies
Supportive MLS laser therapy when appropriate
Referral or coordinated care when needed
Our focus is on improving function, supporting
mobility, and helping patients understand
their condition and available care options.
Treatment outcomes vary according to
the underlying cause and individual response.
About Dr. Lisa Parissi, DC
Dr. Lisa Parissi, DC, is the
owner and lead chiropractor at Wellness Choice
in Costa Mesa. Her approach incorporates
Chiropractic BioPhysics® principles,
spinal alignment assessment, posture evaluation,
and individualized corrective care based
on clinical findings.
Dr. Parissi earned a Bachelor of Science
in Exercise Physiology from Barry University
and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from
Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida.
Our Costa Mesa chiropractic office provides
individualized care for spinal alignment,
posture, pain, and mobility. Explore our
Costa Mesa chiropractic care
and related treatment options.
Sciatica Therapy in Costa Mesa and Orange County
Wellness Choice provides individualized
sciatica therapy at our chiropractic office
in Costa Mesa, serving
patients from communities throughout
Orange County.
Costa Mesa, California
Orange County, California
Costa Mesa Service Area Information
Wellness Choice provides sciatica therapy at
150 Paularino Ave Ste D190,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626,
serving patients throughout Costa Mesa
and Orange County. Additional local
information and driving directions
are available for zip codes
92626
and
92627.
Serving Costa Mesa and Orange County
Our Costa Mesa chiropractic office serves
local patients as well as people traveling
from Newport Beach, Irvine, Huntington Beach,
and surrounding Orange County communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica Therapy in Costa Mesa
What causes sciatica, and how is it evaluated in Costa Mesa?
Sciatica may be associated with lumbar disc problems,
spinal stenosis, degenerative changes, or other
conditions affecting spinal nerves. At Wellness Choice
in Costa Mesa, Dr. Lisa Parissi evaluates symptoms,
spinal movement, neurological findings, and other
clinical factors to determine appropriate next steps.
Can chiropractic care help sciatica in Costa Mesa?
Chiropractic care may be appropriate for some patients
with sciatica-related symptoms. At our Costa Mesa office,
treatment recommendations depend on the likely cause,
examination findings, neurological status, and
individual health needs.
Is spinal decompression recommended for every sciatica patient?
No. Non-surgical spinal decompression may be considered
for selected disc-related or compressive conditions,
but it is not appropriate for every patient.
Recommendations depend on the clinical findings
and possible contraindications.
Do I need an MRI or X-rays for sciatica?
Not everyone needs imaging. X-rays may help evaluate
selected structural findings, while MRI may be
recommended when neurological symptoms, persistent
pain, or other clinical concerns warrant further
investigation.
When should sciatica symptoms receive urgent medical attention?
New bowel or bladder dysfunction, numbness in the
saddle region, or rapidly progressive leg weakness
requires immediate medical evaluation. These symptoms
may indicate serious nerve compression or another
urgent medical condition.
