Sciatica Doesn't Mean Surgery.
Proven Non-Surgical Treatment Gets You Results in Weeks
Research shows 80-90% of sciatica cases resolve without surgery with appropriate conservative treatment.* Dr. Zapf's patients typically feel significant relief within 2 to 4 weeks.
*American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2025
Dr. Robert J. Zapf, M.S., D.C.
Your Sciatica Care Specialist in Fairfax, VA
That Pain Down Your Leg? That's Sciatica. And It's Controlling Your Life.
If you have sciatica, you know the pain is real.
That sharp, burning, numbness, or tingling that starts in your lower back and shoots down your leg. The way it wakes you up at night.
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How it prevents you from:
• Sitting for more than a few minutes without pain
• Walking without limping
• Sleeping comfortably
• Doing the activities you love
• Working without constant discomfort
You've tried:
✓ Rest (didn't work)
✓ Over-the-counter pain medication (temporary relief only)
✓ Heating pads (helps for an hour)
✓ Stretching (sometimes worse)
✓ Expensive treatments that haven't delivered
And you're starting to wonder:
"Is this permanent? Will I need surgery?"
The answer is usually - No!
Most sciatica cases—80-90%—improve WITHOUT surgery.
But here's what doctors don't always tell you:
Simply waiting for it to go away can take months or even years. And the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to treat.
The Good News? With the right treatment, most sciatica patients experience significant relief within 2-4 weeks. Some feel better in days.
That's where we come in.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg. This pain is usually caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, leading to symptoms such as sharp pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected leg.
Understanding the root cause of your sciatica is essential for effective treatment. Our non-surgical, drug-free approach targets the source of your pain, helping you achieve long-term relief.
Major Causes of Sciatica
1
Herniated Disc
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Mechanism: A herniated or bulging disc in the lower spine can press against the sciatic nerve, triggering inflammation and pain. This occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through the tough outer layer, irritating nearby nerves.
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Symptoms: Sudden, sharp pain in the lower back and leg, often worsened by movement or sitting.
2
Piriformis Syndrome
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Mechanism: The piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttocks, can become tight or spasmodic, compressing the sciatic nerve as it passes underneath (or through) the muscle. This compression mimics traditional sciatica symptoms.
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Symptoms: Pain in the buttocks that radiates down the leg, often worsened by prolonged sitting or climbing stairs.
3
Sacroiliac Joint (SI) Dysfunction
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Mechanism: The sacroiliac joint, which connects the pelvis to the spine, can become inflamed or misaligned, leading to irritation of nearby nerves, including the sciatic nerve.
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Symptoms: Pain in the lower back, buttocks, and upper legs, often worsened by standing or weight-bearing activities.
4
Spinal Stenosis
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Mechanism: A narrowing of the spinal canal, often due to aging, can compress the sciatic nerve roots, leading to pain and nerve dysfunction.
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Symptoms: Pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs, often relieved by bending forward or sitting.
5
Degenerative Joint Disease
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Mechanism: As spinal discs wear down over time, they can lose cushioning and cause nerve irritation, sometimes leading to sciatic pain. Bone spurs may also develop, further compressing the nerve.
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Symptoms: Chronic lower back pain with occasional sharp, shooting pain down the leg.
6
Spondylolisthesis
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Mechanism: When a vertebra slips out of place, it can compress the sciatic nerve, leading to irritation and pain. This is often due to aging, injury, or congenital conditions.
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Symptoms: Lower back pain, leg pain, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods.
How Dr. Zapf Treats Sciatica:
A Proven, Step-by-Step Approach
We don't use a one size-fits-all approach. Your sciatica has a specific cause, we find it and fix it - without drugs or surgery.
Your Treatment Journey
Step 1:
Detailed Diagnosis
(week 1)
• In-depth consultation about your symptoms and history
• Advanced imaging (X-ray and/or MRI) to identify the exact cause
• Orthopedic testing to determine nerve involvement
• Clear explanation of what's causing YOUR sciatica
Why this matters: Many patients are told they have "sciatica" without knowing the actual cause. We identify if it's a herniated disc, piriformis tightness, SI joint dysfunction, or something else. This is critical for treatment success.
Step 2:
Immediate Pain Relief
(weeks1-2)
• Spinal manipulation to reduce nerve pressure
• Therapeutic modalities (ultrasound, interferential stimulation) to reduce inflammation
• Soft tissue therapy to release muscular tension
• Postural correction to prevent aggravation
Most patients report significant pain reduction within 1-2 weeks
​Step 3:
Active Rehabilitation
(Weeks 3-6)
• Targeted stretching to decompress the nerve
• Core strengthening to stabilize your spine
• Functional movement training to rebuild confidence
• Home exercise program you can do daily
This phase is where lasting healing happens
​Step 4:
Return to Normal Activities
(Weeks 6+)
• Gradual progression back to work, sports, hobbies
• Movement strategies to prevent recurrence
• Maintenance plan to keep you pain-free long-term
What Makes Our Approach Different
✓ We don't rely on surgery or injections as first-line treatment
✓ We combine manual therapy with exercise rehabilitation
✓ We address the ROOT CAUSE, not just pain symptoms
✓ We teach you how to prevent recurrence
✓ We track progress with measurable outcomes