BACK PAIN & SCIATICA CARE
· LAGUNA NIGUEL
Back Pain Chiropractor in Laguna Niguel | Sciatica & Disc Issues
If you’re looking for a back pain chiropractor in Laguna Niguel, the right approach starts with understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms. Back pain can involve the low, mid or upper back and may also include radiating leg pain, numbness or tingling. We begin with a detailed history, spinal examination and digital X-rays to evaluate alignment, disc-space changes, degeneration and arthritis.
From there, we determine the care approach that best fits your findings, goals and comfort—helping you move better, function better and get back to the activities that matter to you.
LOW BACK PAIN & STIFFNESS
When low-back pain makes everyday movement harder.
Low-back pain may show up as aching, stiffness, sharp pain, recurring flare-ups, or difficulty sitting, standing, bending, lifting or exercising. Even when symptoms feel similar, the factors contributing to them can be very different.
We look at how your lower back is moving, where motion may be restricted, and how spinal mechanics, posture and everyday movement patterns may be contributing. Your care is then tailored to what we find, with the goal of helping you move more comfortably and return to the activities that matter to you.
★★★★★
“I was having severe lower back pain when I went to see
Dr. Scott Waddell. In one month, he’s been able to relieve most of my back pain and get me back out on the Pickleball court.”
Scott Barnes - Google Review
MID-BACK, UPPER-BACK & RIB PAIN
When pain between the shoulders or ribs makes movement uncomfortable.
Mid- and upper-back pain may show up as stiffness, aching, pain between the shoulder blades, rib discomfort, or pain with twisting, reaching or deep movement.
We evaluate thoracic and rib motion, posture and surrounding mechanics to determine what may be contributing—then tailor care to help restore more comfortable movement and function.
★★★★★
“I was getting frustrated with the pain I was having on my neck, upper and lower back. I woke up feeling stiff and sore, dressing up and driving were too difficult to do. I did not want to rely on pain relievers. With just a few sessions with Dr. Jennifer and Dr. Scott, my neck and back improved so much. I felt lighter and my mobility improved a lot. The procedures of alignment and adjustment they do are really effective in targeting specific problem areas. It sure was one of the best medical decisions I made.”
Sheila Nazareth - Google Review
SCIATICA, RADIATING LEG PAIN & NERVE SYMPTOMS
When pain, numbness or tingling travels into the leg.
Sciatica and other nerve-related symptoms may travel from the lower back or buttock into the thigh, calf or foot and can include pain, burning, numbness, tingling or weakness. Not all nerve-related leg symptoms follow the classic sciatic pattern—symptoms may also involve the front or outer thigh depending on which nerves are involved. Disc problems and other changes in the lower spine can sometimes contribute to these patterns.
We look closely at where your symptoms begin, how far they travel, what makes them better or worse, and how your spinal mechanics may be involved. Your care is then based on what we find, with the goal of reducing irritation, improving function and helping you return to normal activity.
★★★★★
“I had had a lower back pain for a long time as well. The pain went all the way to the toes.”
Miwa K — Google Review
DISC PROBLEMS & RECURRENT BACK PAIN
When back pain keeps coming back—or imaging shows a disc problem.
Some people come to us after being told they have a disc bulge, herniation, degeneration or other changes on imaging. Others may not have a formal diagnosis, but they continue to experience repeated episodes of back pain that never seem to fully resolve.
We look at your history, examination findings, spinal mechanics and available imaging together rather than relying on one finding alone. The goal is to understand how the pieces fit together and determine the most appropriate approach for helping you move and function better.
★★★★★
“I went to Waddell Wellness & Performance with a herniated disk. I was bent over and in pain. Dr. Waddell was able treat my back and now I walk pain free. Dr. Waddell’s treatment kept me from surgery. I am so grateful for his care and my pain-free life. Thank you Dr. Waddell!”
Randall Steele — Google Review
AN INDIVIDUALIZED APPROACH
The right approach depends
on what we find.
No two backs—and no two patients—are exactly alike. We use your history, examination, X-rays and response to care to determine which approach best fits your findings, goals and comfort.
Depending on your findings and comfort, care may include precise manual adjusting using Diversified or Gonstead approaches, SOT or drop-table techniques, and lower-force instrument-assisted options such as ArthroStim or Activator. CBP-informed postural strategies may also be incorporated when appropriate.
Evaluate → Understand → Personalize → Reassess
A MORE COMPLETE BACK EVALUATION
Understanding what may be contributing starts with a closer look.
Back pain, sciatica and nerve-related symptoms can have different contributing factors, so we begin with a detailed history and spinal examination rather than assuming the problem from the location of pain alone.
For patients with back pain, possible disc issues or sciatica, our evaluation includes digital X-rays to assess spinal alignment, disc-space changes, degeneration and arthritis. We also look closely at neurological symptoms, posture, balance and movement patterns to better understand the full picture.
When the history or examination suggests that more information is needed, we may review existing MRI or CT findings or recommend additional imaging or medical evaluation.
The goal is not simply to identify where you hurt—it is to understand enough about what may be contributing to choose the right next step.
PATIENT STORY
From Daily Back Pain
to Feeling Great
Craig A.
Craig came to Waddell Wellness with persistent back and upper-back pain that was making it difficult to get through a workday or spend extended time driving. After trying stretching and frequent deep-tissue massage without lasting relief, he wanted a more complete approach.
“I started out at their office, with the hopes of improving my lingering back and upper body pain, but I have gained so much more than just that! My entire well being has improved drastically… I just feel GOOD now!”
★★★★★
PATIENT VIDEO TESTIMONIAL · 5-STAR GOOGLE REVIEWER
LIMITED-TIME NEW PATIENT SPECIAL
Are You Dealing With Back Pain,
Sciatica or a Disc Problem?
Your first visit is designed to help us better understand what may be contributing to your
back pain and stiffness or sciatica including spinal, mechanical and neurological factors,
and determine the most appropriate next steps for you.
YOUR EVALUATION INCLUDES
✓ Private Doctor Consultation & Health History Review
✓ Comprehensive Spinal & Neurological Evaluation
✓ Digital Spinal X-Rays, When Clinically Appropriate
✓ HRV, Surface EMG & Thermal Nervous-System Scans
✓ Doctor Review of Findings & Personalized Recommendations
Schedule Your
$97 New Patient Evaluation
For a limited time, new patients can schedule this comprehensive introductory evaluation for $97.
The standard fee for the included services is $350.
Choose a convenient appointment time below and our team will confirm your visit.
Or call us directly — (949) 860-2400
CARE BEYOND THE ADJUSTMENT
What you do between visits matters.
Specific, individualized chiropractic care is only one part of the process. In the office, we may incorporate Spinal Vitality exercises, myofascial-release stretching, vibration-platform work and other movement strategies based on your findings and stage of care. At home, your plan may include functional low-back and core spinal exercises, specific stretches, posture and ergonomic recommendations, traction or decompression, and curve-restoration fulcrums when appropriate. The goal is to reinforce what we are working on in the office and help you build better movement, strength and spinal function over time.
Better results come from what we do together in the office—and what you are able to carry into everyday life.