Sciatica Treatment in New Jersey

According to data from the Cleveland Clinic, nearly 40% of US adults experience sciatica pain at some point in their lives. Sciatica can cause debilitating pain that negatively affects one’s ability to function, making treatment a priority for most. 

Align Health & Wellness specializes in a range of options for sciatica treatment in New Jersey, ranging from chiropractic manipulation to acupuncture. Our sciatica treatments fall into our larger goal of creating holistic wellness plans that are sensitive to individual patient needs. We take the time to get to know our patients so we can create the most effective treatment possible.  

Send us a message today to schedule sciatica treatment in NJ with a sciatica specialist!

Sciatica pain occurs when part of the spine pinches the main spinal nerve, causing a sharp shooting pain or tingling numbness that can radiate down the legs and up the torso. Generally, sciatica is the result of some kind of musculoskeletal issue, including:

• Herniated disc
• Bone spurs
• Misaligned vertebrae
• Spinal stenosis
• Joint arthritis
• Stress fractures

According to a study from 2007, about 90% of sciatica cases are due to herniated discs. In rare cases, sciatica pain can be the result of a tumor(s) pressing against the spinal nerve. Some of the most common symptoms of sciatica include:

• Pain/numbness
• Leg pain
• Muscle weakness
• Mobility restrictions
• Weak reflexes
• Difficulty lying down

Usually, the go-to treatment method for sciatica is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen and aspirin. However, many patients prefer alternative treatments that do not involve drugs or medication. 

The majority of our treatments for sciatica pain involve musculoskeletal manipulation, including chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, and acupuncture. These techniques can remove pressure on the spinal nerve by strengthening joints and muscles and reducing inflammation. 

Chiropractic treatment involves the physical manipulation of the spine to align vertebrae and reduce pressure on the spine. For example, spinal decompression can reduce pain symptoms by slightly extending the spine, allowing slipped discs to realign with the vertebrae. 

Explicit evidence of chiropractic treatments’ effectiveness for relieving sciatica pain is limited, but studies have found that chiropractic treatment can be an effective management tool for lower back pain in general. 

One major difference between chiropractic care for back pain and traditional treatment methods is that chiropractors take a holistic approach to medicine. They not only focus on the affected areas of the spine but also on how the spine interacts with the rest of the body. 

In many cases, physical therapy will be the first thing we recommend for sciatica pain. Physical therapy can both alleviate pain and address the root issues of sciatica, as well as prevent future episodes. 

A physical therapy regimen for sciatica may involve targeted exercise and manipulation to engage the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the lower back. Your physical therapist may also assign exercises to perform at home. 

Aside from pain relief, physical therapy can also improve strength, functionality, and overall mobility. Common exercises in a physical therapy treatment regimen might include:

• Back extensions
• Yoga stretching
• Isometric/isotonic exercises
• Joint mobilization
• Gait training
• Posture modifications

The specifics of your treatment plan will depend on the nature and scope of your injury as well as your general physical condition and health. Treatment timelines will also differ, but most find relief from sciatica pain after about four weeks. 

Acupuncture is an old medical technique that involves stimulating nerves in the body through the strategic placement of needles. Traditional forms of acupuncture were focused on aligning the body’s qi (life energy), but modern medicine has provided scientific evidence of the practice’s efficacy for pain relief. 

A 2023 systematic review found that acupuncture was significantly more effective than placebo methods and about as effective as medicine treatment for relieving sciatica pain. More specifically, patients receiving acupuncture reported an average of 27% less pain on a standardized pain assessment scale compared to placebo groups. 

One of the major benefits of acupuncture is that it is completely non-invasive and does not involve drug treatments. A single acupuncture session lasts about 30 minutes to an hour, so you can go to your appointment and return home with little to no interruption to your daily routine. Most patients begin to see positive results from acupuncture after three or four sessions at two sessions a week. 

Align Health & Wellness uses its decades of experience to create personalized health and wellness plans. We have helped thousands of patients improve their lives through our stellar medical care. 

Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. If you need lower back pain treatment or sciatica treatment in New Jersey, contact us online or give us a call today at (609) 799-8444. Speak to a chiropractor for sciatica today.

We have a lot of experience treating all forms of sciatica pain. Below are some of the most common questions our pain management specialists receive.

Will Sciatica Pain Go Away on Its Own?

Yes, sciatica pain often will go away on its own, given enough time and rest. In a small number of cases, doctors might recommend surgery as the best option to relieve sciatica symptoms. 

How Can I Manage Sciatica Pain at Home?

One of the best ways to manage sciatica pain at home is engaging in mild physical activity. Regular stretching and walking are good for engaging the spine and reducing sciatica pain. 

Should I Avoid Anything When I Have Sciatica Pain?

You should avoid lifting heavy objects and fast, jerking movements of the spine when you have sciatica. You should also avoid processed foods, as these can cause inflammation. 

What Are the Risk Factors for Sciatica?

Risk factors for sciatica pain include:

• Age
• Obesity
• Poor posture
• Tobacco use
• Diabetes
• Scoliosis
• Prolonged sitting
• Bad lifting technique

Men aged 30 to 50 are the most likely demographic to need sciatica treatment in New Jersey.