Sciatica is irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. Sciatica is marked by radiating pain throughout the lower back and legs, as well as numbness, weakness, and tingling in the legs or feet. Though it may cause left leg issues, sciatica almost always appears on the right side. Mild cases may only include sensitivity, pressure, burning, or numbness in the lower back, hip and leg, but severe cases can be excruciating. Sciatica is quite common; in fact, as many as 40 percent of adults will get sciatica at some point in their lives.
Because sciatica can present in many ways, its treatment must be individualized to each patient. Routine chiropractic care can provide thorough and comprehensive sciatica management. Urban Chiropractic will first evaluate the cause of sciatic nerve pain with a systematic assessment, perhaps including diagnostic imaging such as an X-ray or MRI. Then, the chiropractic team will build a plan of care involving multiple treatments and customized to the patient’s needs. Treatments may include chiropractic adjustments, non-surgical spinal decompression, and deep tissue massage. To prevent recurrence of sciatica, chiropractic care involves ongoing treatment accompanied by exercise and stretching routines. Treatment lasts at least several weeks, and many people have further chiropractic follow-ups as flare-ups occur. Lifestyle changes, such as exercise, behavior change, and nutrition, may continue indefinitely. The chiropractor’s treatment plan may change over time depending on the patient’s needs. Ultimately, the goals of chiropractic treatment for sciatica are to overcome pain and prevent recurrence.