Are you experiencing a sharp, shooting pain that radiates from your lower back down to your leg? You might be dealing with sciatica, a common condition that can significantly impact your daily life and cause numbness, weakness, and sharp pains. Thankfully, you have several treatment options available, including chiropractic care. But can a chiropractor help with sciatica?
Below, Align Health & Wellness will explain how a chiropractor in New Jersey can provide relief.
What Is Sciatica and What Causes It?
Sciatica is a term used to describe the symptoms that occur when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your hips and down each leg, becomes compressed or irritated. According to a study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, sciatica affects approximately 5 to 10% of patients with low back pain.
The most common causes of sciatica include the following:
- Herniated or bulging discs in the lumbar spine
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Piriformis syndrome (muscle spasms in the buttocks)
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Degenerative disc disease
How Chiropractic Care Can Address Sciatica
So, how can a chiropractor help with sciatica? Chiropractors have the experience and know-how to address a wide range of issues related to the spinal cord, nerve roots, and more. Around 35 million Americans seek chiropractic care annually, according to World Metrics.
Chiropractic care offers diagnosis and a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing sciatica symptoms. A sciatica chiropractor uses various techniques to help alleviate pain, improve spinal function, and promote overall healing.
Spinal Adjustments
Chiropractors perform gentle adjustments to realign the spine, which may reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve and surrounding tissues. These adjustments, also known as spinal manipulation, involve applying controlled force to joints that have become restricted in their movement.
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulation was as effective as surgery for certain types of sciatica, with 60% of patients reporting significant improvement in their symptoms.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Massage and other soft tissue techniques may help relax tight muscles and reduce inflammation around the affected area. Chiropractors use various methods to achieve this. One such method is myofascial release, which focuses on releasing tension in the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles.
Another technique is trigger point therapy, where chiropractors apply pressure to specific points in muscles to help release tension and alleviate pain. The Active Release Technique (ART) is also commonly used. This patented soft tissue method combines manipulation and movement to treat problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves.
Exercise Recommendations
How can a chiropractor help with sciatica? They may prescribe specific stretches and exercises to strengthen the core and improve flexibility, supporting long-term relief. These exercises are tailored to your condition and designed to address the underlying causes of your sciatica.
Regular exercise may help improve spinal health, reduce the risk of future sciatica episodes, and enhance overall well-being. A study in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that patients who followed a specific exercise program experienced significant improvements in sciatica symptoms compared to those who did not.
Explore Sciatica Chiropractic Treatment Techniques With Align Health & Wellness
At Align Health & Wellness, we understand the impact sciatica can have on your quality of life. For those interested in a comprehensive approach to sciatica management, we also offer how physical therapy can help sciatica as part of our integrated care services.
Contact Align Health & Wellness at 609-799-8444 to schedule an appointment with a skilled chiropractor for sciatica treatment in New Jersey. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take for Chiropractic Treatment To Work for Sciatica?
Determining how long it takes for chiropractic treatment to work for sciatica varies by case. Some patients experience relief after their first few sessions, but a full course of treatment typically takes several weeks to achieve lasting results.
Can a Chiropractor Help With Sciatica, or Will It Go Away on Its Own?
In some cases, mild sciatica may resolve on its own with rest and self-care measures. However, more severe or persistent cases often require professional treatment to achieve full relief and prevent recurrence.
Is Walking Good for Sciatica?
Walking may be beneficial for sciatica as it promotes blood flow and releases endorphins. However, it’s important to start with short, gentle walks and gradually increase duration and intensity as tolerated under the guidance of a healthcare professional.