Tech Neck: How Screen Time Strains Your Neck and Spine

Tech Neck Is Real — And It's Not Just Poor Posture

Tech Neck is chronic neck and upper-back pain caused by prolonged forward head posture from screens and phones, and it can place up to 60 pounds of extra pressure on the cervical spine. Left untreated, it commonly progresses into headaches, shoulder tension, and reduced mobility — all of which chiropractic care is designed to address at the source.

What Is Tech Neck, and Why Does It Hurt So Much?

Every inch your head tilts forward multiplies the load your neck has to support. At a neutral position, your head weighs roughly 10–12 pounds. Tilted forward 45–60 degrees — the angle most people hold while looking at a phone — that load can effectively increase to 40–60 pounds on the cervical spine. Held for hours a day, every day, that strain doesn't stay in the neck. It radiates into the shoulders, upper back, and skull.

The Signs Most People Ignore

• Neck stiffness or a persistent ache at the base of the skull
• Headaches that build through the afternoon
• Shoulder and upper-trap tension that doesn't release with stretching
• Reduced range of motion turning your head to check a blind spot
• Mid-back discomfort between the shoulder blades

Most people treat these as "just tired" or "just stress" for months before addressing the actual cause: the position their spine has been held in all day.

How Chiropractic Care Helps

Tech Neck is a structural problem, not just a muscular one. Chiropractic adjustment realigns the cervical spine and relieves the joint and nerve irritation that builds up from sustained forward posture — while posture correction and targeted mobility work address the pattern causing it to return.

At West Los Angeles Chiropractic®, Dr. Michael Karr — a UCLA Kinesiology graduate who has treated West LA for over 35 years — reviews your in-office digital X-rays himself, the same day, before building a treatment plan. That matters here: two patients with identical symptoms can have very different underlying spinal positioning, and treatment built on an actual image of your spine is different from a generic stretching handout.

How Severe Is It? A Quick Guide

Your situation	Best fit
Occasional stiffness after a long day	Stretching + ergonomic adjustments
Recurring headaches at the base of the skull	Chiropractic evaluation
Numbness or tingling in arms/hands	Chiropractic evaluation + digital X-ray
Chronic pain lasting weeks or months	Full chiropractic treatment plan
Diagnosed disc or nerve involvement	Chiropractic care + advanced imaging referral

What Your First Visit Looks Like

• Digital X-rays of your cervical spine — taken and read same day
• A clear explanation of what's driving your specific symptoms
• A treatment plan that may include chiropractic adjustment, posture correction, cold laser, or massage, based on your presentation

We accept Medicare, most PPO insurance (Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare), Workers' Comp, MedPay, and CareCredit. New patients: $99 for your first visit, exam, and digital X-rays.

We're at 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 165 — ground floor, free parking, near the 405 and 10. Serving West LA, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Playa Vista, and the Westside tech and entertainment corridor. Open Saturdays.

Call Betty: 310-914-9400

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tech Neck?
Tech Neck is chronic neck and upper-back strain caused by holding your head in a forward-tilted position while looking at phones, laptops, or monitors. Over time, the added load on the cervical spine can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Can Tech Neck cause headaches?
Yes. Tension in the muscles at the base of the skull, driven by sustained forward head posture, is a common cause of tension-type headaches that build through the day.

How is Tech Neck treated?
Chiropractic adjustment addresses the underlying spinal misalignment causing the strain, while posture correction and mobility work help prevent it from returning. Digital X-rays are used to confirm exactly what's happening in your spine before treatment begins.

Is Tech Neck permanent?
Not typically. Most patients see improvement with consistent care, though individual results vary and depend on the severity and duration of the condition.

How much does a first visit cost?
$99 for new patients, which includes your exam and digital X-rays. Most PPO plans are accepted, including many major tech-employer plans — call Betty and we'll verify your coverage before your visit.

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📞 Call Betty: 310-914-9400
🌐 WestLosAngelesChiropractic.com
📍 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 165, Los Angeles, CA 90064
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Individual results vary. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning treatment.

Why Does Sciatica Get Worse in Summer? Here's What's Really Happening

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Why Does Sciatica Get Worse in Summer? Here's What's Really Happening

Summer sciatica isn't in your head. Heat increases inflammation around a compressed nerve, and extra walking, hiking, and long car rides add mechanical stress to the lumbar spine. If your pain is worse this time of year, it usually means the underlying disc or nerve problem needs treatment — not just rest.

The Summer Connection Nobody Explains

Every summer, we see the same pattern at West Los Angeles Chiropractic®: patients whose sciatica was manageable in spring suddenly find it flaring up by July. It's not a coincidence. Heat causes blood vessels to dilate and tissue to swell slightly — including around an already-irritated sciatic nerve. Add in longer days on your feet, hikes in Pacific Palisades, or hours in the car sitting in Westside traffic, and the mechanical pressure on the nerve compounds with the inflammation.

It's Not Just Heat — It's What's Underneath

Sciatica is nerve pain. It happens when something — usually a herniated disc, a misaligned vertebra, or a bone spur — presses directly on the sciatic nerve in your lower spine. Summer conditions don't cause that underlying problem, but they make it more noticeable and more painful. If rest and ice were enough to fix it, the pain wouldn't keep coming back with the weather.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression: Targeting the Disc Itself

At West Los Angeles Chiropractic®, Dr. Michael Karr offers Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression using the DRX9000 — FDA-cleared technology designed to address disc herniation at its source. The DRX9000 gently distracts the spine, creating precise negative pressure inside the damaged disc. This is designed to help retract herniated disc material away from the nerve, promote nutrient flow and rehydration to the disc, and support healing of the annular tear itself. The goal isn't just to mask pain through the summer — it's to support the disc's own healing process. The DRX9000 is the most researched non-surgical spinal decompression technology available, with 28 clinical studies, 20 published in peer-reviewed journals. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may not be appropriate for every patient — Dr. Karr reviews your X-rays and clinical presentation to determine candidacy.

What Dr. Karr Does That Most Providers Skip

Dr. Michael Karr is a UCLA Kinesiology graduate who has treated sciatica and disc injuries in West LA since 1989. He received radiology honors — meaning he reads your X-rays himself, in the office, the same day you arrive. Most patients dealing with "summer sciatica" have never actually had their lumbar spine examined on X-ray. That changes on your first visit. You see exactly where the problem is, and treatment is built around your spine specifically.

Is Your Summer Sciatica a Sign of Something More?

Your situation	Best fit
Pain worse after heat, hikes, or long car rides	Chiropractic + Spinal Decompression evaluation
Diagnosed herniated or bulging disc	Chiropractic + Spinal Decompression (DRX9000)
Pain started after a specific activity or injury	Chiropractic adjustment first
Ongoing pain despite icing/resting all summer	Chiropractic + Spinal Decompression evaluation
Mild aching, no radiating leg pain	Rest, hydration, gentle stretching first

What Your First Visit Looks Like

• Digital X-rays of your lumbar spine — taken and read same day
• Orthopedic testing to identify the exact nerve level involved
• A clear explanation of what's causing your pain
• A treatment plan that may include chiropractic adjustment, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression, cold laser, MedX rehabilitation, or massage — based on your specific condition

We accept Medicare, most PPO insurance (Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare), Workers' Comp, MedPay, and CareCredit. New patients: $99 for your first chiropractic visit. Call Betty for spinal decompression pricing and coverage verification.

We're at 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 165 — ground floor, free parking, near the 405 and 10. Serving West LA, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Venice, Westwood, Mar Vista, Playa Vista, and West Hollywood. Open Saturdays.

Call Betty: 310-914-9400

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does sciatica get worse in summer? Heat increases inflammation around an already-compressed sciatic nerve, and increased summer activity — hiking, walking, long car rides — adds mechanical stress to the lower spine. The underlying cause (usually a disc issue) doesn't change with the season, but symptoms often feel worse.

Is summer sciatica different from sciatica at any other time of year? The underlying cause is the same — nerve compression, usually from a disc problem. Summer heat and activity just tend to intensify the symptoms, which is why many patients notice a flare-up between June and September.

What is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and how does it help? Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression uses the FDA-cleared DRX9000 to gently distract the spine, creating negative pressure inside the damaged disc. This is designed to help retract herniated disc material, promote disc rehydration, and support healing of the annular tear. The DRX9000 has been the subject of 28 clinical studies, 20 published in peer-reviewed journals.

Is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression FDA cleared? Yes. The DRX9000 is FDA-cleared, non-invasive technology used for disc herniation, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, and sciatica. Dr. Karr determines candidacy based on your clinical history and X-rays.

Is chiropractic and spinal decompression covered by insurance? We accept Medicare, most PPO plans, Workers' Comp, and MedPay. Call Betty at 310-914-9400 and we'll verify your specific coverage before your first visit, at no cost to you. Note: Medicare does not cover spinal decompression.

Should I wait out my sciatica until summer ends? Waiting doesn't address the underlying disc or nerve compression causing the pain, and symptoms often persist or worsen. A same-day X-ray and evaluation can identify the exact cause so treatment targets it directly.

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📞 Call Betty: 310-914-9400 

🌐 WestLosAngelesChiropractic.com 📍 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 165, Los Angeles, CA 90064 📘 facebook.com/WestLosAngelesChiropractor 

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Dolor del Nervio Ciático en West LA | West Los Angeles Chiropractic®

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Dolor del Nervio Ciático en West Los Angeles: Lo Que Necesita Saber

La ciática es un dolor que se origina en la espalda baja y baja por la pierna, causado por presión sobre el nervio ciático. En West Los Angeles Chiropractic®, el Dr. Michael Karr trata la ciática combinando ajuste quiropráctico para aliviar la presión nerviosa con, en casos de disco herniado, Descompresión Espinal No Quirúrgica usando el DRX9000 — tecnología aprobada por la FDA.

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¿Qué Es la Ciática?

El nervio ciático es el nervio más largo del cuerpo — va desde la espalda baja, a través de las caderas, y baja por cada pierna. Cuando algo presiona este nervio, el resultado es dolor punzante, entumecimiento, hormigueo o debilidad que baja por la pierna.

Las causas más comunes incluyen un disco herniado, enfermedad degenerativa del disco, o desalineación vertebral, especialmente en los niveles L4–L5 y L5–S1 de la columna lumbar.

En West LA, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Culver City y Westwood, la ciática es una de las razones más comunes por las que los pacientes nuevos nos llaman. Muchos ya intentaron descansar, estirar, o tomar antiinflamatorios — y el dolor sigue presente.

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Cómo el Tratamiento Quiropráctico Ayuda con la Ciática

El tratamiento quiropráctico aborda la causa estructural de la ciática: la desalineación vertebral o la presión del disco que comprime el nervio.

En West Los Angeles Chiropractic®, el Dr. Michael Karr —graduado en Kinesiología de UCLA con más de 35 años de experiencia clínica— toma radiografías digitales en su primera visita. Usted ve exactamente qué está pasando en su columna lumbar antes de comenzar cualquier tratamiento.

El tratamiento puede incluir:

• Ajustes quiroprácticos para restaurar la alineación y aliviar la presión nerviosa
• Terapia con láser frío para reducir la inflamación en la raíz del nervio
• Rehabilitación lumbar con MedX para estabilizar la columna
• Masaje terapéutico para liberar la tensión muscular

Las pautas de práctica clínica del Colegio Americano de Médicos (ACP) de 2017 recomiendan la manipulación espinal como tratamiento de primera línea para el dolor lumbar, antes de medicamentos o cirugía.

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Descompresión Espinal No Quirúrgica Para Casos de Disco Herniado

Cuando la ciática es causada por un disco herniado, el ajuste quiropráctico por sí solo puede no ser suficiente — porque la pared exterior del disco está dañada.

La Descompresión Espinal No Quirúrgica usando el DRX9000 está diseñada para abordar el disco directamente. Este tratamiento aplica fuerzas de tracción calibradas con precisión, creando presión intradiscal negativa diseñada para:

• Ayudar a retraer el material del disco herniado lejos del nervio
• Promover la hidratación y el flujo de nutrientes hacia el disco dañado
• Crear condiciones que pueden apoyar la sanación de la pared del disco

El objetivo no es solo aliviar el dolor. Es apoyar el proceso natural de sanación del disco.

El DRX9000 es la tecnología de descompresión espinal no quirúrgica más investigada disponible — respaldada por 28 estudios clínicos, 20 publicados en revistas revisadas por expertos.

La Descompresión Espinal No Quirúrgica puede no ser apropiada para todos los pacientes. El Dr. Karr revisa sus radiografías y su historial clínico para determinar si usted es candidato.

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Por Qué los Pacientes de West LA Eligen West Los Angeles Chiropractic®

West Los Angeles Chiropractic® ha tratado la ciática y lesiones de disco en West LA desde 1989. El Dr. Karr tiene un título en Kinesiología de UCLA y recibió honores de posgrado en radiología — él mismo lee sus radiografías, en la oficina, el mismo día.

Aceptamos Medicare, la mayoría de los seguros PPO (Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare), compensación laboral, MedPay y CareCredit. Nuevos pacientes: $99.

Nuestra oficina está en 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 165 — planta baja, estacionamiento gratuito, entre las autopistas 405 y 10. Atendemos a pacientes de West LA, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Venice, Westwood, Mar Vista, Playa Vista y West Hollywood. Abierto los sábados.

Llame a Betty para programar su cita: 310-914-9400

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Preguntas Frecuentes

¿Es mejor el quiropráctico o la fisioterapia para la ciática? Para la ciática relacionada con disco herniado, el tratamiento quiropráctico aborda la causa mecánica del problema. En casos donde el disco está afectado, la Descompresión Espinal No Quirúrgica puede ayudar directamente con el disco. Una radiografía en la oficina puede aclarar cuál opción aplica en su caso.

¿Cubre el seguro el tratamiento quiropráctico para la ciática en Los Ángeles? Sí. West Los Angeles Chiropractic® acepta Medicare, la mayoría de los planes PPO, compensación laboral y MedPay. Llame a Betty al 310-914-9400 y verificaremos su cobertura antes de su primera visita, sin costo alguno.

¿Cuántas visitas quiroprácticas se necesitan para aliviar la ciática? Los resultados varían según la gravedad de la afección del disco y cuánto tiempo ha estado comprimido el nervio. El Dr. Karr le da un plan de tratamiento claro y específico después de sus radiografías y examen en la primera visita.

¿Qué es la Descompresión Espinal No Quirúrgica? Es un tratamiento no invasivo que usa el DRX9000 —tecnología aprobada por la FDA— para aplicar tracción controlada a la columna, diseñada para reducir la presión sobre discos herniados o abultados sin cirugía ni inyecciones.

¿Trata West Los Angeles Chiropractic® la ciática causada por un disco herniado? Sí — los discos herniados y abultados son de las causas más comunes de ciática que tratamos. Las radiografías digitales en la oficina identifican el nivel exacto de compresión para que el tratamiento sea preciso, no una suposición.

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Los resultados individuales pueden variar. Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye consejo médico. Consulte con un profesional de la salud calificado antes de comenzar cualquier tratamiento. La Descompresión Espinal No Quirúrgica puede no ser apropiada para todos los pacientes — la candidatura se determina mediante evaluación clínica y revisión de imágenes diagnósticas.

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📞 Llame a Betty: 310-914-9400 🌐 WestLosAngelesChiropractic.com 📍 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 165, Los Angeles, CA 90064 📘 facebook.com/WestLosAngelesChiropractor 📸 instagram.com/west_la_chiropractor_r ▶️ youtube.com/@WestLosAngelesChiropractor ▶️ youtube.com/@westlosangeleschiropractic 🐦 twitter.com/WLAChiropractic 📝 westlosangeleschiropractic.blogspot.com

Golf Injuries & Lower Back Pain in West LA | West Los Angeles Chiropractic®

Golf Injuries & Lower Back Pain in West LA: What Golfers Need to Know

Golf is one of the most common causes of lower back injury among recreational athletes in West LA. The rotational mechanics of the swing place repetitive compressive and torque forces on the lumbar spine — especially at L4–L5 and L5–S1 — making disc injuries, muscle strains, and nerve compression the most frequent golf-related conditions we treat at West Los Angeles Chiropractic®.

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Why Golf Is Harder on Your Spine Than Most People Realize

Golf looks low-impact. It isn't — at least not for your lumbar spine.

A full golf swing generates significant rotational torque through the lower back, with peak forces occurring at impact. Over 18 holes, a golfer repeats this motion dozens of times. Add in walking uneven terrain, carrying or pulling a bag, and bending over putts, and the cumulative spinal load adds up quickly.

For golfers in West LA, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Culver City playing regularly through summer, this repetitive stress is exactly how disc injuries develop — not from one dramatic moment, but from accumulated compression over time.

The most vulnerable spinal levels are L4–L5 and L5–S1 — the lowest two segments of the lumbar spine. These are the same levels most commonly involved in sciatica, herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease.

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The Most Common Golf Injuries We Treat

Lower back pain and disc injuries are by far the most common. The golf swing's rotational mechanics create a combination of compression, rotation, and lateral bending that places maximum stress on the lumbar discs. For players with any pre-existing disc vulnerability, a few rounds can be enough to trigger an acute flare-up.

Neck pain and upper back tension develop from the address position — the forward head posture many golfers hold at setup, combined with the rotation of the follow-through.

Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) is an overuse injury affecting the inside of the elbow, caused by the grip and impact forces of the swing.

Shoulder and rotator cuff strain occurs from the overhead and rotational demands of the backswing and follow-through, particularly in players with existing shoulder tension.

Hip and SI joint pain can develop from the weight shift and pelvic rotation involved in the swing, particularly in players with hip mobility restrictions.

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How Chiropractic Care Helps Golfers

Chiropractic care addresses the structural cause of golf-related pain — spinal misalignment created by repetitive rotational stress.

At West Los Angeles Chiropractic®, Dr. Michael Karr — a UCLA Kinesiology graduate with over 35 years of experience treating sports and golf injuries — begins every new patient visit with in-office digital X-rays, taken and read same day. You see exactly what is happening in your spine before treatment begins.

Chiropractic adjustment restores proper spinal alignment, reduces mechanical stress on the joints and discs, and relieves nerve compression — helping golfers move more freely and with less pain.

The 2017 American College of Physicians (ACP) clinical practice guidelines recommend spinal manipulation as a first-line treatment for low back pain before medications or surgery.

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Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression for Golf-Related Disc Injuries

For golfers with herniated or bulging discs aggravated by the golf swing, chiropractic adjustment alone may not fully address the disc itself.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression using the DRX9000 applies specifically calibrated traction forces designed to create negative intradiscal pressure — with the goal of reducing disc herniation and promoting conditions that may support disc healing.

This is not just pain relief. It targets the structural disc damage that the golf swing created.

The DRX9000 is FDA-cleared and backed by 28 clinical studies, 20 published in peer-reviewed journals — making it the most researched non-surgical spinal decompression technology available.

Candidacy is determined by clinical evaluation and review of diagnostic imaging. Individual results vary.

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Additional Treatments

Depending on your specific condition, treatment at West Los Angeles Chiropractic® may also include:

• Cold laser therapy — reduces inflammation at the injury site without medication
• MedX spinal rehabilitation — rebuilds the core stability that protects your spine through the demands of a golf swing
• Therapeutic massage — releases muscle tension guarding the injury site
• Custom Foot Levelers Orthotics — corrects foot and ankle biomechanics that affect your stance, weight transfer, and swing mechanics

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When to See a Chiropractor (Rather Than Playing Through It)

See Dr. Karr if you experience:

• Lower back pain or stiffness that develops during or after a round
• Pain that starts in the lower back and radiates into one leg or buttock (sciatica)
• Neck stiffness or pain that worsens after a round
• Pain that keeps you from finishing 18 holes
• A disc injury that flares up with the rotational demands of your swing

Many golfers delay care because the pain seems manageable between rounds. By the time it becomes acute, the disc involvement is typically more advanced and recovery takes longer. Earlier evaluation means faster return to the course.

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Why West LA Golfers Choose West Los Angeles Chiropractic®

West Los Angeles Chiropractic® has treated sports and golf injuries in West LA since 1989. Dr. Karr holds a degree in Kinesiology from UCLA and received postgraduate honors in radiology — meaning he reads your X-rays himself, in the office, the same day.

We are conveniently located at 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 165 — ground floor, free parking, near the 405 and 10 freeways — serving golfers from West LA, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Venice, Westwood, Mar Vista, Playa Vista, and West Hollywood.

We accept Medicare, most PPO insurance (Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare), Workers' Comp, MedPay, and CareCredit. New patients: $99. Open Saturdays.

Call Betty to schedule: 310-914-9400

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is lower back pain from golf common? Yes — lower back pain is the most common golf injury among recreational players, particularly affecting the L4–L5 and L5–S1 spinal levels. The rotational and compressive forces of the golf swing place significant stress on the lumbar spine with every shot.

Can a chiropractor help with golf back pain? Yes. Chiropractic care addresses spinal misalignment created by repetitive rotational stress and relieves mechanical pressure on the discs and nerves. The 2017 ACP guidelines recommend spinal manipulation as a first-line treatment for low back pain before medications or surgery.

What is the fastest way to recover from a golf back injury? Early evaluation and treatment produces the fastest recovery. In-office digital X-rays identify the exact cause of pain on the first visit. Treatment may include chiropractic adjustment, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression, cold laser, and MedX rehabilitation — combined based on your specific condition. Delaying care typically extends recovery time.

Can I keep playing golf during chiropractic treatment? It depends on the severity of your condition. Dr. Karr will advise you specifically after reviewing your X-rays and examination findings. Many patients continue modified activity during treatment while avoiding the movements that aggravate the injury.

Does insurance cover chiropractic care for golf injuries in West LA? Yes. West Los Angeles Chiropractic® accepts Medicare, most PPO plans, Workers' Comp, and MedPay. Call Betty at 310-914-9400 and we will verify your coverage before your first visit at no cost to you.

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Individual results vary. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any treatment program. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression candidacy is determined by clinical evaluation and review of diagnostic imaging.

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📞 Call Betty: 310-914-9400 🌐 WestLosAngelesChiropractic.com 📍 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 165, Los Angeles, CA 90064 📘 facebook.com/WestLosAngelesChiropractor 📸 instagram.com/west_la_chiropractor_r ▶️ youtube.com/@WestLosAngelesChiropractor ▶️ youtube.com/@westlosangeleschiropractic 🐦 twitter.com/WLAChiropractic 📝 westlosangeleschiropractic.blogspot.com

"I've Been Doing PT for Weeks and My Sciatica Is Still There." Here's Why — and What to Try Next.

WestLosAngelesChiropractic.com/chiropractic-vs-physical-therapy-sciaticagoog_2048812115

"I've Been Doing PT for Weeks and My Sciatica Is Still There." Here's Why — and What to Try Next.

It's one of the most common things we hear at West Los Angeles Chiropractic®: a patient has been diligently attending physical therapy for weeks — stretching, strengthening, icing — and the shooting pain down their leg is still there. Often it's worse. The reason usually comes down to one thing: PT treats the muscles around the problem. Chiropractic care and non-surgical spinal decompression treat the problem itself.

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The Core Difference Nobody Explains to You

Sciatica is nerve pain. It happens when something — usually a herniated disc, a misaligned vertebra, or a bone spur — presses directly on the sciatic nerve in your lower spine.

Physical therapy is excellent at strengthening the muscles that support your spine. But if a disc is pressing on your sciatic nerve, no amount of core strengthening moves that disc. The compression is still there. The nerve is still irritated. The pain continues.

Chiropractic care works on the spine itself — realigning vertebrae and relieving mechanical pressure on the nerve. But for many patients with a true disc herniation, there is a second problem that even a great chiropractic adjustment cannot fully address: the disc wall is torn.

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The Disc Herniation Problem Most Providers Miss

When a disc herniates, two things happen simultaneously:

1. The outer wall of the disc tears. Every disc in your spine has a tough outer ring called the annulus fibrosus. When that outer wall develops a tear — from injury, repetitive stress, or degeneration — the soft inner material (nucleus pulposus) pushes through that opening.

2. That inner material compresses your nerve. The escaped disc material presses on the sciatic nerve, causing the shooting pain, numbness, and tingling down your leg.

Most treatments focus only on Problem #2 — relieving the nerve pressure. That matters. But if the tear in the disc wall is not addressed, the disc remains structurally compromised, and the pain often returns.

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Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression: Targeting the Disc Itself

At West Los Angeles Chiropractic®, Dr. Michael Karr offers Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression using the DRX9000 — FDA-cleared technology designed to address disc herniation at its source.

Here is how it works:

The DRX9000 gently distracts the spine, creating a precise negative pressure inside the damaged disc. This negative intradiscal pressure is designed to:

• Help retract herniated disc material away from the nerve
• Promote nutrient flow and rehydration to the damaged disc
• Create conditions that support healing of the annular tear itself

The goal is not simply to mask pain. The goal is to support the disc's own healing process — reducing the herniation and encouraging repair of the wall that tore.

The DRX9000 is the most researched non-surgical spinal decompression technology available. There are now 28 clinical studies on this technology, 20 of which are published in peer-reviewed journals. Thousands of patients across the country have been treated with the DRX9000 as a non-surgical alternative before considering injections or surgery.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may not be appropriate for every patient. Dr. Karr reviews your X-rays and clinical presentation to determine whether you are a candidate.

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What Dr. Karr Does That Most Providers Skip

Dr. Michael Karr is a UCLA Kinesiology graduate who has treated sciatica and disc injuries in West LA since 1989. He received radiology honors — meaning he reads your X-rays himself, in the office, the same day you arrive.

Most new sciatica patients have never had their lumbar spine examined on X-ray. They have been treated based on symptoms alone. That changes on your first visit here. You see exactly where the problem is. You understand what is causing your pain. Treatment is built around your spine specifically — not a generic protocol.

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How the Three Approaches Compare 

Your situation	Best fit
Sharp, shooting pain down one leg	Chiropractic + Spinal Decompression evaluation
Diagnosed herniated or bulging disc	Chiropractic + Spinal Decompression (DRX9000)
Pain after lifting, twisting, sudden movement	Chiropractic adjustment first
Tried PT 4+ weeks with limited improvement	Chiropractic + Spinal Decompression evaluation
Post-surgical spine rehab	Physical therapy
General core weakness, no nerve pain	Physical therapy
Mild aching without radiating pain	Physical therapy

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What Your First Visit Looks Like

• Digital X-rays of your lumbar spine — taken and read same day
• Orthopedic testing to identify the exact nerve level involved
• A clear explanation of what is causing your pain
• A treatment plan that may include chiropractic adjustment, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression, cold laser, MedX rehabilitation, or massage — based on your specific condition

We accept Medicare, most PPO insurance (Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare), Workers' Comp, MedPay, and CareCredit. New patients: $99 for your first chiropractic. Call Betty for spinal decompression pricing and coverage verification.

We're at 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 165 — ground floor, free parking, near the 405 and 10. Serving West LA, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Venice, Westwood, Mar Vista, Playa Vista, and West Hollywood. Open Saturdays.

Call Betty: 310-914-9400

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why didn't physical therapy fix my sciatica? Physical therapy strengthens the muscles around your spine but cannot reposition a herniated disc, correct spinal misalignment, or address a tear in the disc wall. If disc compression or annular damage is the cause of your sciatica, structural treatment — chiropractic adjustment and/or spinal decompression — targets the source directly.

What is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and how does it help a herniated disc? Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression uses the FDA-cleared DRX9000 to gently distract the spine, creating negative pressure inside the damaged disc. This is designed to help retract herniated disc material, promote disc rehydration, and support healing of the annular tear — the structural damage that caused the herniation. The DRX9000 has been the subject of 28 clinical studies, 20 published in peer-reviewed journals.

Is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression FDA cleared? Yes. The DRX9000 is FDA-cleared technology. It is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment used for disc herniation, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, and sciatica. Dr. Karr will determine whether you are a candidate based on your clinical history and X-rays.

How is treating the disc different from just treating the nerve? Treating the nerve addresses your pain symptoms — the shooting, burning, or numbness down your leg. Treating the disc addresses the structural cause — the herniation and the annular tear that created it. Ideally, both are addressed. Chiropractic adjustment helps restore alignment and relieve nerve pressure; spinal decompression is designed to help the disc itself heal.

Can I do both chiropractic and physical therapy? Yes, and many patients benefit from both at different stages. Chiropractic care and Spinal Decompression for the acute disc phase — then PT-style stabilization to rebuild strength and prevent recurrence.

Is Chiropractic and Spinal Decompression covered by insurance?We accept Medicare, most PPO plans, Workers' Comp, and MedPay. Call Betty at 310-914-9400 and we will verify your specific coverage. — at no cost to you. Note: Medicare does not cover spinal decompression.

Does Dr. Karr treat sciatica from herniated discs? Yes — herniated and bulging discs causing sciatica are among the most common conditions we treat. In-office digital X-rays show the exact vertebral levels involved so treatment is targeted, not guesswork.

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📞 Call Betty: 310-914-9400 🌐 WestLosAngelesChiropractic.com 📍 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 165, Los Angeles, CA 90064 📘 

*Individual results vary. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any treatment program. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may not be appropriate for every patient — candidacy is determined by clinical evaluation and review of diagnostic imaging.

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