Chiropractor for Sciatica & Lower Back Pain

Parent Q&A

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  • Hi - just found out I'm pregnant again! Last pregnancy (five years ago, not in the Bay), I had horrible back pain. I remember that being the worst part of the whole pregnancy. I'd like to get ahead of it this time and get situated early with a pregnancy-knowledgeable chiropractor. 

    I have Kaiser insurance, not sure how that work (my first time with an HMO insurance plan). Ideally if it was covered, that would be amazing, but I need to figure something out. Located in North Oakland/close to south Berkeley, and proximate location would also be helpful. 

    I looked through other posts, but the most recent one I could find was 2019 so thanks for your recommendations! 

    I highly recommend Dr. Elon Bartlett at Acorn Wellness. He was recommended by my doulas during my last pregnancy when I was having all sorts of joint pain and he really helped! I continued to see him until very recently when I moved. His rates were reasonable and he's really great about listening to your issues and making sure he's addressing them. Also he's just great to have a conversation with during the session (or not if you don't want to! He's very accommodating).

    I’ve been going to https://acornwellness.com/ for prenatal chiropractic care and found it really helpful!

    Congratulations! Unfortunately the location might be slightly out of your range but I LOVE Dr. K who works on MacArthur in the Dimond. She specializes in the Webster technique/pregnancy treatment is so warm and wonderful. I'm 8 months postpartum but I still see her every other week. I don't think she takes Kaiser but she offers a monthly fee for unlimited visits (I forget how much that costs, but I did that since I was going weekly) and she also offers a deal where you can buy three appointments for $99, which is what I do now. Her office is community-style so she sees multiple patients at once (like there's usually one other person on a table next to me at the same time I'm there) so something to know but it doesn't at all take away from her amazing treatment and skills. Pre-pregnancy I had chronic back pain and have scoliosis and with her help made it through a lot of my pregnancy with minimal discomfort. Truly cannot recommend her enough! https://alignedwellnessoakland.com/

    Hello!

    I had a fabulous experience with Dr Laurie Wonnell at Piedmont Chiropractic. She treated me through my entire pregnancy and it was wonderful! She's a mom herself, so she has a good understanding what a pregnant body can feel like. Despite the name, she is located on 2234 Channing Way. 

    Hey! I have a 2.5 month old and I saw Dr. Ariel during pregnancy and a couple times postpartum and she was incredibly helpful (helped with neck pain, carpal tunnel and general pelvis misalignment). I was able to pay via HSA but it wasn’t covered under insurance. I would highly recommend! Here is the website: https://berkeleyflow.com

    I love Siddarth Verma at Oakbay Chiropractic. I’ve gone to him before, throughout and after pregnancy. They do take Kaiser insurance but there’s a part of his services that aren’t covered so for me it’s about $30-$40 over whatever the copay might be. The uncovered piece is called Activated Release Therapy and I think it’s worth paying a little more. He’s very knowledgeable about how our body changes throughout pregnancy and helped me tremendously with various aches and pains. 

    Hi There! I had the worst sciatic pain during pregnancy and also have a history of working with chiropractors pre-pregnancy for low back pain. During my 2nd trimester I finally switched from my trusted chiro who said she couldn't help me (b/c I was pregnant!) and went to Jenny Proenza at Spark Chiropractic. I had never experienced her type of adjustment before and found it to be easy and, most importantly, extremely beneficial. Over the course of a few treatments my pain was significantly improved and I continue to visit her one in a while for check-ups but she has done wonders for me and I can't recommend her enough. However, a few caveats - of course, she does not take insurance, but will send you a superbill so you can submit to your insurance for some coverage if that is an option. She is also located in San Francisco. 

    See if your KP insurance covers the option for American Specialty Health. I have been seeing a great female chiropractor in Berkeley @Onsight Chiropractic and Massage on 5th Street.

    highly recommend kendra at awaken chiropractic in Oakland for pregnancy and postpartum.

    I went to Dr. Kseniya (https://empoweredmamachiropractic.com) in Walnut Creek. It was a bit of a hike to get there from where I live, but she is amazing and was recommended by my doula. I also have Kaiser and was told they don’t cover chiropractor visits, so I paid out of pocket. 

    Congratulations on the pregnancy!!! I have loved seeing Dr. Melissa Crago with Life Chiropractic in Oakland (College Ave) for both my pregnancies. She is incredibly helpful with easing pains, making a little more space for baby both in the pelvis and up towards the diaphragm, and if you wind up needing it, helping to enable baby to turn out of breech position. She sees kids too so it's an easy transition if you need/want to bring the newborn in for some care.

    Also I have found great results by working with a pre- and post-natal focused strength trainer -- really helped to alleviate a lot of the back and hip pain! Her name is Laura Stronach and you can find her at Laura Stronach Fitness. I can't recommend her highly enough!

    Good luck with the pregnancy :) 

    Congratulations! Drs. Kara & Audrey at Waltz Family Chiropractic are fantastic for pregnancy, postpartum AND newborn care. I see them, so do my husband and son, and I recommend them to all my new parent clients.

    https://waltzfamilychiropractic.com/

    I have Kaiser and just had a babe - they don't have chiro, but they do have pelvic floor pt (not that that helps this issue!). 

    You can get 25% off participating chiros with your Kaiser ID here: https://www.choosehealthy.com/identity/login

    Hi there, my family has been going to OakBay Chiro for almost a decade now. Dr. Mylo and Dr. Verma are so friendly and nice. They helped me and my sister-in-law during our recent pregnancies and have a special table that lowers under the belly so as you grow their adjustments are still baby safe!

    I also have Kaiser and I believe that lowers their fee to around $50 per session. It does add up if you go weekly. I also received several prenatal massages from one of their staff when I was in excruciating sciatic nerve pain due to a herniated disc.

    They’re located right near Sutter and Kaiser in Oakland. Let me know if you have any other questions. I can’t recommend them enough!

    https://www.oakbaychiro.com/

  • Hello,

    I am looking for recommendations for a chiropractor who is really good with the Activator tool.  I have lower back, SI, and hip hyper mobility issues which can lead to sciatica at times.  Please let me know if anyone has had really good experience with someone using this technique/tool.

    Thank you!

    Check out Ball Chiropractic in El Cerrito. They always fix me up.

    Rob Ammirrati, chiropractor on 1201 Solano, next to Post Offc.  Regularly he uses the 'activator' on my neck and back. He's been our chiropractor for 8 years.  (510-524-2222)

    My husband suffered with neck pain until we moved here from Texas. The chiropractor there didn't help him or me with my 'frozen shoulder'.  Rob has made all the difference.


     

    Dyanna Anfang is wonderful and uses an activator, in addition to other techniques. She has helped me with back and shoulder pain for the past two years. She takes lots of different insurance plans.

    Having worked with Helen DeLisser for 6 years, I can give a very strong recommendation for her excellent activator work (not to mention her availability, often with only a few hours notice!). My husband has also sought much-needed help and relief from Helen--when he was literally prostrate on the floor in agony--and sings her praises. Her rates are extremely reasonable plus she is very knowledgeable, attends classes and workshops to keep up her training, and is an all-around kind and nice person. She shares an office with another chiropractor and an acupuncturist in Alameda, just a few minutes from the Park St and Fruitvale bridges. You can reach her on her work cell at (510) 205-4697

  • I’m looking for a chiropractor to help with general back/hip pain and core instability after two hard pregnancies. I would prefer someone who is more mainstream than alternative in the “feel” of their practice, but who also approaches their work with a holistic view of what’s going on. I’m located in North Berkeley. Any recommendations welcome! 

    I've been going to Awaken Chiro in Oakland for years and absolutely love it; highly recommend!  I see Armene regularly and have also seen Kenda -- both are experienced, effective, warm, and just all around lovely people.  The office is lovely and inviting and you can bring your children with you.  Good luck with your search!

    Not a chiropractor, but Beth Baron of InTouch Therapies (https://bethbaron.com/intouchtherapies/) does bodywork using a variety of techniques and approaches. I've seen her for myofascial release, but her website also lists alignment and restorative exercise and somatic experiencing. She's really good.

    Awaken Chiropractic, on Grand Ave.

    I suggest giving them a try; they may feel too alternative, but they don’t do anything unusual, other than being gentle. And they are very good, and very experienced with prenatal and postpartum bodies.  

    Linda Mayo, on Solano, is wonderful.  Her practice runs on time and appears pretty straightforward.  However, the depth and breadth of her knowledge and experience is impressive and she truly understands that she is working with multi-faceted systems and individuals.  Her care incorporates, with great respect, many healing modalities.  I think she might be just what you are looking for.

    Michelle at Hendrickson Clinic. Located in Kensington on Colusa Circle. Every single person that I’ve recommended her to loves the experience. It’s a 15 minute appointment with massage and adjustment. She is the only person I’ve seen where I don’t cringe and get frightened and even more tense. She has a reassuring personality and intuitive nature. I tell her where the pain is, then she massages a totally different place and immediately there is relief. 

    I went to Dr. Bartlett near Alta Bates in Oakland. He works with prenatal and postnatal care and helped me with sciatica and hip issues. 

  • I have been having lower back pain and it's been suggested to me that I try chiropractic treatment for it. I would like a recommendation

    to someone in Oakland who is medically grounded and also works in a holistic way with patients.  

    She is in Albany, but my husband and I go from Oakland to see Sandra Waggener whenever we have issues with neck or back pain.  She is terrific - careful, thoughtful, really smart and most of all, effective.  She is definitely medically grounded - recommended my husband see an orthopedist for a recent shoulder injury rather than working on it.  She was right - he needs surgery. Her phone number is 510 526 2567.  

    I went to Dr. James Huang for lower back issues and a pulled hip flexor and was happy with his services. He has an office in Oakland and Walnut Creek and splits his week between the two.

    http://www.drjameshuang.com/home/

    I've used Martinet Chiropractic. Dr Martinet uses a variety of modalities and has loads of experience.

    Dr. Richard Burg at 6330 Telegraph is wonderful. My husband and I have been going to him for years, as needed. 510-601-6330. Brenda 

    Bruce Rizzo is by far one of the best chiropractor's in Oakland (and everywhere). He can look at how you stand, walk, move and know how to correct your posture, know where to work, etc.  His office is at 63rd and Telegraph. Office number is: 601-6330.

    Good luck, I hope you feel better soon.

    Really like Delene Bivolcic on Park Blvd. She used to have an office on Telegraph at Alcatraz. She really listens and doesn't push to do anything (like x-rays) unless you agree. Her website http://enjoyvibranthealth.net/

    Christoph Meuhlinghaus in Oakland (510) 326-0684. He is far and away the best. Also has a massage therapist in the office. Is on pill hill in Oakland. Very knowledgeable!

    Laurie Klein at Back in Balance -- can't recommend her highly enough.  Go, you will not be disappointed.  She has worked with me over the past 12-14 years -- always with tremendous success and in a holistic, caring approach.  

    Sid Verma at Oakbay Chiropractic near Summit Hospital in Oakland is great. Combines gentle and effective adjustments with soft tissue work. Super nice and organized office staff. Monthly sessions with Dr. Verma are what keep me going after decades of chronic low back and hip pain. (The other doctors in the practice are also really good - and they have fantastic massage therapists). 

    http://oakbaychiro.com/

    My wife has periodic back pain and goes to a wonderful physical therapist in Albany. Ellen DeNeef owns Arcus PT and her results are magical-can not praise her highly enough. I go to a different physical therapist for other issues and when she has problems with her body she goes to visit Ellen even though she (my PT) lives in Sonoma. Ellen's number is:510-913-0969. Definitely worth a visit.

    Dr Ruch at the North Oakland Chiropractic Clinic is amazing. Specializing in injured, elderly and ligament lax folks, his style is very gentle but effective. I have Ehlers-Danlos and he's been a major help improving my health.

Archived Q&A and Reviews


July 2010: Chiropractor or oesteophate for sciarica

I have a sciatica, so I am looking for a chiropractor or an oestheophate. I had a sciatica during my first pregnancy in France, went to see my oesteophate he fix it during 1 hour visit what it the practice over there. I tried an chiropractor here and was surprise with the 15 minutes visit, and it didn't work because I am still suffering a lot. Could you recommend someone who could look at my spine 1rst? Find all the problem I have because sometimes you have more than what you come for and could have 1 hour visit. Sorry I can't believe 15 minutes could be efficient. Thanks for your help!!! Gaby


The first visit with my chiropractor lasted about an hour. He checked my spine, took measurements and did a thorough job evaluating me. I too had sciatica during pregnancy and it comes back now and again since then. Dr. Matt does a great job to keep me pain-free. He also recommends stretches and modifies them depending on my ability at each visit. Dr. Matt Green at Ashby Chiropractic (near the new Berkeley Bowl) anon


I use Dr. Ali Bagherian in San Francisco and I think he is awesome! I have been seeing him for at least 10 years. I reviewed him on Yelp! so if you want all the sordid details go read that. The review is for Synapse Health Center, which is what he calls his office, since they do more than just chiro. I have been to plenty of crappy chiropators, so I know that he is not one of them! He will take the time to find out what is really wrong with you and fix it. Andrew


Catherine Henderson is who you're looking for. She is commonly regarded as the best Osteopath in the area. Both me and my daughter have been treated by her and she is wonderful. osteopathy convert

[Editor Note Nov 2017: Catherine Henderson has notified us that she is no longer practicing in California.]


I can recommend Christoph Muehlinghaus DC 510-326-0684 he Is from Switzerland And does very quality chiropractic work. Very thourough, sensitive, And good sense of humor. Located near summitt hospital At webster And 30th L.


I would highly recommend Dennis Barker at Tice Valley Chiropractic. He has helped so many people that I know and he is a wonderful, holistic chiropractor who, in addition to doing chiropracty, has established an entire wellness center to keep his clients health and active. Here are the Yelp reviews on his practice: http://www.yelp.com/biz/dennis-j-barker-dc-walnut-creek-2 Here is his web-site: http://ticevalleychiropractic.com Also, here is his information on how to reach him: Dennis Barker 1866 Tice Valley Boulevard Walnut Creek, CA 94595-2224 (925) 210-8000 Good luck, SW


I'd like to recommend Dyanna Anfang, DC. I started seeing her a few months ago and really like her work. One of my clients had recommended her to me since Dyanna had helped her greatly with her sciatica symptoms. Dyanna is in Berkeley on Channing Way. Please check her website for more details: www.anfang.com Rosie


I highly recommend that you try the Alexander Technique for your sciatica. Although one usually thinks of going to a physical therapist or chiropractor for back pain, the Alexander Technique is also entirely appropriate. The British Medical Journal found that it is highly effective in treating back pain. I have had a wonderful experience learning to ''use'' my body according to Alexander Technique principles. It changes the way you move and hold your body so you don't put pressure on the sciatic nerve. I am now entirely without pain, entirely symptom free, and I hope to keep it that way! My AT teacher is Amira Alvarez, in the Berkeley hills. Her contact info is 510-528-3109, www.amiraalvarez.com. You can take private or group lessons, or try out the Alexander Technique at a workshop. Good luck! Lucky to have found Amira


I highly recommend Reddel Chiropractic, Albany, 558-8258. I went to see Michelle Reddel on the recommendation of another BPN post about two years ago, for chronic headaches and after having tried several other remedies. She spent over an hour with me on each of my first two visits. I was (and continue to be) very impressed by her thorough and comprehensive approach. My headaches dissipated by the third visit. Gone completely soon thereafter. I continue to see her for regular maintenance check-ups (which are about 45 minutes each). She is skilled, holistic, knowledgeable, and effective. Kate


Aug 2009: Chiropractor In Alameda for chronic low back pain

Can anyone recommend a good chiropractor in Alameda? My back has been very sore and out of alignment since my second pregnancy. I have had cronic low back pain most of my adult life and now need to take actions to correct this or at least stop it from getting worse. thanks!!


I use and like Euleta Johnson, DC (510-769-6499) on Encinal near Park. Isadora


Cheryl Saxton and Lynn Carlsen, both of Advance Health Chiropractic, are wonderful! When I first saw Lynn, eleven years ago, I was highly skeptical of chiropractic in general, but immobilized by sciatica after my son's birth. She had me walking more easily by the end of the first session, and out of pain entirely by the end of the third session. I've been seeing Cheryl for years now (Lynn was away for a while), and couldn't be happier. She even helped me after a car accident a year or two ago. I drive from another county just to see her -- nobody else can compare. Kathleen


I highly recommend Sophie Blanchard in the Marina Village part of Alameda. When i got pregnant with my third child, I threw a disc out in my lower back and couldn't move! I saw her everyday for awhile, then weekly, then monthly. She was so gracious and kind, worked with me in every area, and still to this day treats me like a friend. She's not one to tell you you need to keep coming and coming. She treats what you need treated and sends you along to a healthier life. Can never thank her enough! Alison


March 2007

My husband is really suffering with sciatica for past several months. I am thinking he needs an excellent chiropractor or possibly Physical therapist or acupunturist (never used before). He is wary of chiropractors, but I think a talented and gentle one could possibly save him from this debilitating pain. We need someone in the East Bay. Thank you so much for your help.


I have had great results with Dr. Jay Sordean in Berkeley for my sciatica and my husband's back problems. He is very experienced in evaluating and treating these conditions -- not only is his acupuncture and herbal / nutritional treatment effective, he instructed me in various stretches to do to help heal and prevent my sciatica-caused pain. He also treats other types of musculoskeletal problems due to work injuries and other accidents. Nancy


I think your husband would feel very comfortable with my chiropractor, Dyanna Anfang (510-549-9080). She is smart and gentle, and helped me with a similar problem last year. She is in Berkeley near campus.


I highly recommend Dr. Allen Currano, El Cerrito Spine Care, one block so. of potrero on San Pablo Ave. 232-4333. He is very experienced and skilled at treating sciatica and back/neck pain. He is hands on, great at making clear diagnosis, into exercises, rehab and has non surgical decompression if needed. Very smart and personable..I was very happy with my neck pain/numbness treatment that went away with his help. fresoc8


Dr Tom Hendrickson helped me with my sciatica. It went away completely. He has helped me with a variety of issues and I think he is wonderful. He is in Kensington and listed in the phone book. mirsun


I went to see Laurie Klein in Oakland's Grand Lake area for help with my sciatica problems. I too was weary of chiropractors, but Laurie put me at ease with her gentle approach. My husband has also gone to see her and was very pleased with the results. Giver her a call at 444-8494. No more sciatica problems


I know a fantastic chiropractor named Joni Owen. Her main office is in Emeryville. I take my 1 1/2 year old son to her for adjustments. She is incredibly caring, gentle, and knowledgeable. Check her out! Her number is (510) 652-4532 and her website is www.owennaturalhealth.com . Best of luck to you!


Also recommended: Massage : Allan Herranen

 


Extreme pain and numbness in one leg

January 2000

I have been diagnosed with sciatica this week. It started with extreme pain, and now numbness down one leg. Anyone know a good chiropractic? Or any other helpful suggestions for recovery. Already trying yoga and stretching

Paula


Dr. Donna LaFlamme is absolutely great -- a chiropracter and much, much more. She is trained in several healing arts, western and eastern, and is very experienced. She is very concerned about her patients -- called me up two days after my first visit to make sure I was doing OK because I hadn't reported in yet. Also, I felt absolutely confident that she wouldn't push unnecessary treatment on me just for the sake of $ -- unlike my feelings about other chiropracters. When I left after my first visit she made it clear that she didn't want to see me again unless my stiffness returned and I felt that it was necessary; contrast the last chiro I saw who expected me to come in for 6 weekly appointments no matter what. She has an office in her home with all the latest equipment. Call her at 526-6002. Tim


Sada Anand Miller, DC (654-2704) is located in Oakland (around $50/1/2 hour session). She is marvelously gifted in healing. Dr. Kenneth Lossing, DO (415-460-6310) is located in San Rafael across from Montecito Plaza ($125 for 1/2 hour session). He is an incredible osteopath. And if your health care doesn't cover this type treatment, try Jin Shin Jyutsu ($60/1-1/2 hour session) from either Barbara Baiardi (235-0616) or Leah Statman (525-5080). This methodology helps the body heal itself and, despite its gentleness, works incredibly deeply. addressing underlying causes of disharmony and dis-ease. Great you are doing yoga and stretching! Good luck! Nori


Andrea
During my last pregnancy I got sciatica so bad that it became excrutiating to walk. The Kaiser doctors told me that once you get sciatica in pregnancy you're likely to have it until after the birth. My yoga teacher said call Kathy Moring (in Concord I believe-- somewhere just E of the tunnel on Hwy 24). Kathy teaches accupressure and has a private practice. She did one session on me, showed my husband some of the pressure points to work on for the next couple of days. Even after the one hour with her it was vastly improved and within one day it was gone. Good luck.


My back problems began with sciatica about 15 years ago, so I am most sympathetic. I have had bouts with it off and on for it since then, and I have found it comes and goes depending on many things: how much strain I am giving my back, how I am sitting/moving at work, and even if I am fatigued or stressed.

I have had physical therapy, chiropractic care, worked out in a gym, done yoga, and so on. I found that I had to pressure my doctor into taking it seriously when it started acting up last year. I was referred for physical therapy to Dawn Loretz at Sports and Orthopedic on Telegraph (I have HealthNet). She is wonderful. She is very good at explaining what is happening, and she responds well to my input. She focuses a lot on the importance of stretching and movement, as well as cutting down on whatever stresses my back. Overall, I have found P.T. to be more helpful than chiropractic care, if only because it is more consistent, and because one of the things they focus on is your body mechanics: what happens when you do XYZ. I have found that P.T.s spend more time doing an initial evaluation. I have seen chiropractors who have set to work on me with little or no information on my medical history.

Overall, though, I have found that I have to take tremendous responsibility for the health of my back. A varied approach seems to work best (keeping weight down, walking, stretching, P.T., massage and staying de-stressed). If you sit a lot at work, you might see if you can have your work station evaluated professionally. I got a flare-up a few years ago when my hard drive got placed under my desk so that I was twisting slightly when I sat. When I corrected it, it cleared up. Best of luck to you--


September 1998

In reply to Sciatica problem. I am 7 months pregnant and having severe sciatica problems. I have found relief at In-line Chiropractic in Oakland. My Dr. is Liz Ringrose and she has been very helpful. The practice is located on Lake Shore Avenue across from Lake Merrit. Good luck. Kristi


I had severe sciatica when I was 8 months pregnant (couldn't walk, couldn't sleep, I even cried it hurt so bad). My Ob refered me to a physical therapist and it REALLY helped. It did not go away right away, but it was bearable even after the first visit. By 4 visits it was pretty much gone. He gave me excercises to do several times a day which really helped. However: I have talked to a lot of people who have sciatica since then, because I was suprised how painful it was. Sciatica is caused by the sciatic nerve being pinched. But the pinching can be caused by either a muscle spasm (my case), or by disks in your backbone. People with the former seem to swear by physical therapists, people with the latter like chiropractors. I'd encourage you to go to your doctor and get a referal. Lisa



A really good Chiropractor's Office is Oak Bay Chiropractic in Oakland. In particular, Dr. Jan Corwin is excellent. His office is on pill hill and his staff will work with you to make sure your insurance covers you. His website is http://www.oakbaychiro.com/ His other contact info is: Jan M. Corwin, DC, CCSP 494 Hawthorne Ave. Oakland, CA 94609 tel: 510-654-8547 fax: 510-654-8034 Good luck, and don't wear your wallet in your back pocket!
David


I would recommend seeing a chiropractor for sciatica. I've had very good success with Dr.Charles Prins on Solano Ave.for a painful neuroma in my foot and also for all kinds of sports injuries afflicting my 11 year old daughter. Good luck! Marji


I have been using Solano Chiropractic on Solano Ave., Berkeley, for 3 years. Dr. Parissa Peymani does great adjustments and has fixed my daughter's Scoliosis and kept the entire family pretty much free of dis-ease for a long time. I trust her. In the past, I used Dr. Jan Corwin (male) on pill-hill in Oakland and he is also exceptional. Barbara


I have just started attending a chiropractor that I would highly recommend, his name is Jay Bunker and he has offices on Solano Ave., in Albany. I have referral cards for a free consultation so you can call me Deirdre


I can highly recomend my chiropractor: Jerry M. Behymer DC 3676 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette, Ca 94549 (925)284-5581
Roger


Chiropractor for sciatica: Dr. Abby Irwin helped me get over a bad case of sciatica a couple of years ago. Her office is at 2400 Lakeshore, Oakland. Tel: 893 1577. Martha