Sciatica Pain Relief Starts with Your Chiropractor

Chiropractors help patients find the cause of their sciatica pain and help relieve it with thorough spinal examinations and adjustments.

Could you start by explaining what sciatica is and what causes the pain?

Dr. Scott Gardner: Sciatica pain is pain radiating along the sciatic nerve that runs down either one or both legs. The sciatic nerve originates in the lower back and sciatica is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. That pressure can be from one or more bones in the lower back being out of normal alignment, that we call subluxation. It can also be caused by a bulge or a herniated disc, or even degenerative arthritis.

How do you assess a patient with sciatica to determine the root cause of their pain?

Dr. Scott Gardner: We start by doing a physical exam. Tests include spinal palpation, specific orthopedic and neurological tests, and range of motion. If these tests are showing positive findings, then we will do X-rays to determine which levels are involved and if chiropractic would be the right fit.

Can spinal adjustments help relieve sciatica?

Dr. Scott Gardner: By restoring proper spinal alignment, adjustments reduce nerve pressure and inflammation, improving blood flow and stimulating the release of pain-relieving endorphins. This leads to decreased pain, increased mobility, and really better overall spinal function.

Do you have any tips for patients with sciatica on what they can do at home to deal with sciatica?

Dr. Scott Gardner: So, some tips for patients with sciatica would be maintaining proper posture, whether sitting, standing or sleeping. Get moving. Most people spend way too much time sitting throughout the day. Finding gentle stretches, ice, and then getting a chiropractic evaluation to determine what the cause is and what specific things the individual can do to correct it.