Question
For almost a month I have had increasing sciatic nerve pain on the left, from my butt to my toes - no back pain. Though a Chiropractor may be able to help, what if it is a herniated disc?  I would hate to waste time and money if this is a surgical issue.  I have done nothing yet and am not sure if I should visit a Chiropractor or M.D. or O.D.

Answer
Hi Wendy,

The chiropractor is the best bet initially.  Unless you're in the ER, any doctor is going to evaluate and use conservative measures.  Medication, ice/heat, stretching, manipulation and so on.

So it's not wasting time.  It's starting off as carefully as possible and doing only what needs to be done.

Chiropractors treat disc problems all day long.  Very rarely do the discs require surgery.  About 1/3 of the population have disc protrusions and don't have any symptoms.

What will waste time is taking meds for two weeks and then actually addressing the mechanical problems that have caused the problem.

Hope this helps.