Hi, I’m Dr. Miller and I’m a chiropractor with over 15 years of experience treating patients with a range of musculoskeletal conditions. Sciatica is a common problem that I see in my practice, so I'm happy to answer your questions about it.

Let’s talk about what sciatica is and then I can address whether a chiropractor can help.

Sciatica itself isn’t actually a diagnosis, but rather a symptom of an underlying problem. It’s a term used to describe the pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg.

Sciatica most commonly occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated by a herniated disc or a bone spur on the vertebrae. In some cases, it can also be caused by piriformis syndrome, a condition in which the piriformis muscle, which runs from the lower spine to the top of the femur, compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve.

Now to the question of whether or not a chiropractor can help with sciatic nerve pain. The answer, as with many things related to the human body, is that it depends.

In many cases, chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for sciatica. Chiropractors like myself are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders, and we use a variety of techniques to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. These techniques can include:

* Spinal Manipulation: This is what most people think of when they think of chiropractic care. It involves applying controlled force to the spine to improve alignment and reduce nerve irritability. This can help to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.

* Mobilization: This technique involves slower, more gentle movements to improve joint function and reduce muscle tension.

* Manual Traction: Here, we use our hands to apply gentle, steady pressure to the spine, which can help to create space between the vertebrae and relieve pressure on the nerve.

* Therapeutic Exercises: I often recommend specific exercises designed to strengthen the muscles that support the spine, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.

* Lifestyle Modifications: Along with hands-on treatment, we may also recommend changes to your posture, sleeping habits, or ergonomics to help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and prevent future problems.

However, it’s really important to remember that chiropractic care is not a one-size-fits-all solution for sciatica.

When to See a Chiropractor for Sciatica

If you’re experiencing sciatica pain, it’s a good idea to see a chiropractor for an evaluation. We can help to determine the underlying cause of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan.

**When to Consider Other Healthcare Providers**

While chiropractic care can be effective, it’s not always appropriate for all cases of sciatica. For example, if your sciatica is caused by a severe herniated disc, a tumor, or another serious medical condition, you may need to see a different type of healthcare professional, such as a medical doctor or a surgeon. It’s also important to seek immediate medical attention if your sciatica is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

* Sudden onset of severe pain
* Weakness or numbness in the leg or foot
* Loss of bowel or bladder control

These symptoms could indicate a more serious medical condition that requires immediate attention.

I know dealing with sciatica can be incredibly frustrating and painful, but there is hope. By taking a proactive approach to your health, and seeking out appropriate care, you can get on the road to recovery and start living a pain-free life!

read more >>

Adjustments (Spinal Manipulation) At the core of chiropractic care are spinal adjustments. ... Spinal adjustment helps to reduce nerve irritability responsible for causing inflammation, muscle spasm, pain, and other symptoms related to sciatica. Adjustments should not be painful.read more >>