MLS Laser Therapy for Sciatica
That shooting electric pain down your leg comes from an inflamed sciatic nerve. MLS Laser Therapy in Fairfax calms the nerve and the tissue around it.
Where sciatica actually comes from
Sciatica isn't really a diagnosis. It's a symptom. The pain you feel shooting down one leg, sometimes with numbness or tingling in the foot, comes from your sciatic nerve being irritated somewhere along its path.
The most common source is a compressed or inflamed nerve root in your lower back, usually from a disc bulge or arthritic narrowing. Sometimes the piriformis muscle in your butt is the culprit. Either way, the nerve is firing pain signals because the tissue around it is inflamed and pushing on it.
How MLS Laser quiets the sciatic nerve
The laser doesn't push the disc back in or thin out the bone spur causing the compression. What it does do is reduce the inflammation in the tissue around the nerve. Less inflammation means less swelling, less pressure on the nerve, and the pain signal gets quieter or stops.
Patients often feel a noticeable change in the leg pain within the first few sessions, even before the back pain itself improves.
What treatment looks like for your sciatica
Your first visit is an evaluation. Dr. White examines the lower back, checks your reflexes and strength, and figures out where along the nerve path the irritation is happening. If you've had imaging, we'll review it.
From there, treatment usually combines MLS Laser with gentle chiropractic work to take pressure off the involved nerve root. A typical course runs six to twelve sessions, with most patients seeing real improvement by visit four or five.
When you should not wait to come in
Most sciatica resolves with the right conservative care. But there are warning signs that mean you need to be seen right away. Sudden weakness in the foot, loss of bowel or bladder control, or numbness in the saddle area are medical emergencies. Don't wait. Get checked the same day.
For typical sciatica that's just been ruining your quality of life for weeks or months, MLS Laser is one of the best non-surgical tools we have.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until the leg pain stops?
Many sciatica patients feel real reduction in leg pain within the first three to five sessions. Full resolution often takes six to twelve sessions, depending on the cause. If you're not seeing meaningful progress by then, we change the plan or order more imaging.
Does insurance cover MLS Laser for sciatica?
MLS Laser Therapy is generally not covered by insurance. We'll discuss the cost and payment options openly at your first visit. Most patients find the price reasonable compared to the long-term cost of medications, injections, and missed work.
What if my sciatica comes from a herniated disc?
Most herniated disc sciatica responds well to conservative care including MLS Laser. The disc itself often partially reabsorbs over months. Our job is to manage the inflammation and pressure on the nerve while that happens. Surgery is only needed for a small percentage of cases.
Will I feel anything during the session?
No. The treatment is painless. You'll feel a gentle warmth on the treated area. Some people fall asleep during sessions.
Can I keep working out?
Light activity like walking and swimming is encouraged. We'll usually ask you to avoid anything that flares the pain, especially deep forward bending and heavy lifting, during early treatment. As you improve, we'll guide you back into normal activity.