How Chiropractic Can Help With Sciatica

Research found on the internet estimates that up to 40 million people suffer with sciatica pain each year. Yet it seems to remain a relative ‘secret’ how effective chiropractic care has been in reducing and often completely eliminating sciatica pain.

Did you know that the sciatic nerve is the longest of all the body’s nerves? In fact it runs from the spinal column near the pelvis… all the way down each leg… and it can be as wide as your thumb! Each sciatic nerve is made up of five smaller nerves that branch into the thigh, knee, calf, ankle, and foot. This is why sciatica can effect people in many different ways! But the bottom line is that sciatica occurs when this nerve is compressed, irritated, or inflamed.

How do you know if you have sciatica pain? Sciatica pain can either be dull and aching… or… it can be a shooting pain down the leg sometimes all the way to the toes. This pain can last for several days or weeks or it can subside for even a few hours. However, someone who has had sciatica for a long period of time will find that the pain localizes in the buttock and thigh. In severe cases it can damage nerves and reflexes or cause the calf muscle to deteriorate, so if you have sciatica pain you do not want to ignore it and “hope it goes away.”

What will a chiropractor do to treat sciatica pain? The first thing we’ll do is take a look at your medical history to identify possible causes. Then a thorough but gentle chiropractic exam is performed. Often we will discover the source of the nerve “blockage” and we’ll use adjustments to fix the problem, often resulting in immediate reduction of the sciatica pain. Sometimes massage therapy is used to reduce muscle spasms as is ultrasound and/or ice therapies. Chiropractic works and is 90% less expensive than the cost of surgery… without having to deal with recovery time.

If a loved one seems to be suffering with sciatica pain and you would like to get them into our office to be examined, or you have concerns about their health, please give us a call @ (425) 670-2600 to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help!