NOVA Chiropractic
& Rehab Center of Sterling
Post Doctorate DACRB Specialist
Only provider in Loudoun County with multiple post doctorate board certifications.
Insurance Accepted
Aetna Cigna BCBS UHC
Same Day Appointments
New Patients Welcome.
Sterling, VA
Serving all of Loudoun County
Post Doctorate Diplomate in Advanced Rehabilitation DACRB
Considered a Back Pain and Spine Specialist Among regular Chiropractors
Post-Doctorate Diplomate in Advanced Rehabilitation
The only provider in Sterling & Loudoun County with this credential.
DACRB: Advanced Rehabilitation
DACBN: Clinical Nutrition
CFMP: Functional Medicine
Why Choose NOVA Chiropractic for Sciatica in Sterling?
Sciatica is one of the most misunderstood and mismanaged conditions in primary care. That shooting, burning pain from your lower back through your buttock and down your leg is your sciatic nerve telling you something is wrong — and it rarely gets better without proper treatment. Dr. John Ratcliffe, DC, DACRB, DACBN, CFMP holds a Post-Doctorate Diplomate in Advanced Rehabilitation — the only provider in Sterling and Loudoun County with this credential — meaning your sciatica is evaluated and treated at the specialist level, not the general level.
What Causes Sciatica & Disc Pain?
Back pain is one of the most common conditions in the United States, affecting over 80% of adults at some point in their lives. In Northern Virginia, where long commutes, hours of desk work, and an active lifestyle create a unique combination of physical demands, back pain is especially prevalent. Common causes we treat include:
Herniated Disc
A disc that slips out of position and presses directly on the sciatic nerve causing shooting pain down the leg
Piriformis syndrome
When the vertebrae shift out of proper position due to injury, repetitive stress, or poor posture, they create abnormal pressure on surrounding nerves and tissues.
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on nerve roots causing sciatica symptoms
Degenerative disc disease
Worn discs lose height and compress nearby nerves triggering chronic sciatic pain
Bone spurs
Overgrown bone in the lumbar spine can pinch the sciatic nerve at its root
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
SI joint inflammation or instability can mimic or trigger true sciatic nerve pain
How We Treat Sciatica & Disc Pain at NOVA Chiropractic
Your treatment plan at NOVA Chiropractic is never generic. Every patient receives a thorough consultation, history review, and physical examination before any treatment begins. Dr. Ratcliffe reviews all relevant imaging, including X-rays and MRIs, and builds a plan specifically around your diagnosis, your lifestyle, and your goals.
1. Chiropractic spinal adjustment
Corrects lumbar misalignments that are compressing the sciatic nerve
Gently reduces disc pressure and creates space for the sciatic nerve to heal without surgery
3. Piriformis and soft tissue release
Targets the muscles compressing the nerve from the outside
4. Dry Needling
Releases trigger points in the piriformis, glutes, and lower back that perpetuate sciatic painor patients with chronic muscle tension and trigger points in the lower back, dry needling provides rapid, effective relief by releasing the neuromuscular dysfunction at the source.
5. Rehabilitation & corrective exercise
DACRB-designed programs that stabilize the lumbar spine and prevent recurrence
Frequently Asked Questions - Back Pain Treatment in Sterling, VA
Q: How do I know if I have sciatica?
A: Sciatica typically causes shooting, burning, or electric pain that travels from the lower back through the buttock and down one leg. You may also experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot. At NOVA Chiropractic in Sterling, VA, Dr. Ratcliffe performs a thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and identify the exact cause.
Q: Can chiropractic care cure sciatica?
A: In the majority of cases yes — chiropractic care and spinal decompression therapy are highly effective for sciatica caused by disc herniation or spinal misalignment. Dr. Ratcliffe's Post-Doctorate Diplomate in Advanced Rehabilitation means your sciatica receives specialist-level treatment not available elsewhere in Loudoun County.
Q: Is sciatica serious?
A: Sciatica should always be evaluated promptly. While most cases resolve with conservative care, severe sciatica involving bladder or bowel changes requires immediate medical attention. Call NOVA Chiropractic at (703) 444-4446 for a same-week evaluation.
Q: Do you accept insurance for sciatica treatment?
A: Yes — we accept Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem BCBS, Federal BCBS, CareFirst BCBS, and UMR. Call (703) 444-4446 to verify your specific benefits before your first visit.
Q: Do I need an MRI before seeing a chiropractor for sciatica?
A: No — you do not need an MRI before your first visit. Dr. Ratcliffe will evaluate you clinically first. If imaging is needed he will advise you. Many sciatica patients get significant relief without ever needing an MRI.
Q: Do you need a referral for sciatica treatment in Virginia?
A: No. Virginia does not require a referral to see a chiropractor. Call (703) 444-4446 or book online at novachiro.janeapp.com — same-week appointments are often available.
We Accept Your Insurance - Back Pain Treatment
All major insurance plans accepted for chiropractic care and rehabilitation in Sterling, VA. Call us to verify your specific benefits — our team will walk you through your coverage before your first visit so there are no surprises.
Participating Provider for Aenta, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Anthem, United Healthcare, UMR, CareFirst, and Federal Blue Cross
Serving Back Pain Patients Across Loudoun County & Northern Virginia
We treat patients of all ages and activity levels from across the Northern Virginia region. Our back pain patients include:
Office and remote workers dealing with chronic lower back stiffness from prolonged sitting in Sterling, Herndon, Ashburn, and Reston
Commuters on Route 7 and the Dulles Corridor who spend hours in the car each day
Athletes and active individuals recovering from sports-related back injuries in Loudoun County
Patients who have been in auto accidents on Route 28, Route 7, or the Dulles Toll Road
Seniors managing degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis throughout Northern Virginia
Parents in Aldie, Leesburg, South Riding, Broadlands, and Lansdowne whose backs need relief
What To Expect During Treatment
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Non-surgical and drug-free
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Gentle and comfortable treatment
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Targets the root cause of disc-related pain
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Improves mobility and flexibility
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Supports long-term spinal health
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Little to no downtime
Benefits of Spinal Decompression Therapy
1. Comprehensive Evaluation
We start with a full consultation and exam to determine if spinal decompression is right for you.
2. Personalized Care Plan
Your treatment plan is tailored to your condition, symptoms, and goals.
3. Comfortable Sessions
You’ll lie fully clothed on a specialized decompression table while gentle traction is applied. Most patients describe the experience as relaxing.
4. Ongoing Progress Checks
We monitor your improvement and adjust care as needed to ensure the best results.
Who Is A Good Candidate?
You may be a great candidate for spinal decompression if you:
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Want to avoid surgery
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Have disc-related back or neck pain
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Haven’t found relief with traditional treatments
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Are looking for a natural, conservative approach
Certain conditions may require alternative care. We’ll determine eligibility during your consultation.
Why Choose Our Office?
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Experienced chiropractic and rehab team
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Advanced decompression technology
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One-on-one, patient-focused care
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Integrated approach including chiropractic and rehabilitation when needed
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Trusted by patients in our community
Our goal isn’t just pain relief—it’s helping you get back to living your life.