Last Updated on April 3, 2024

Do you suffer from sciatica? Are you wondering what you can do to ease your sciatica pain?

Sciatica affects up to 40% of the population. While many people suffer from sciatica, it’s largely misunderstood. People tend to lump sciatica in with recurring back pain, but it’s different.

This also means that treatment for sciatica pain is different from treatment for regular back pain. To ease sciatica pain, many people turn to a chiropractor.

How can a chiropractor help with sciatica pain? Read on below to find out.

Table of Contents

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve due to irritation or compression. The sciatic nerve begins at your lower back and stretches down your legs.

Sciatica usually only affects one side of the body, and while the pain can be severe, most sciatica cases result in non-operative treatment plans.

Sciatica Symptoms

If your pain radiates from your lower spine down through your buttocks and into your leg, there’s a very good chance you’re suffering from sciatica.

The severity of pain can vary widely, from a dull ache to a sharp, shooting pain. In some cases, it can feel like an electric shock or jolt. Sciatica pain often feels worse when you sneeze or cough, and prolonged sitting can aggravate your symptoms.

Some sciatica sufferers also experience tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness.

Sciatica Risk Factors

While anyone can develop sciatica, there are certain factors that put you at greater risk. These include:

Age: As you grow older, your spine changes, and you’re more likely to suffer from bone spurs and herniated discs, which can lead to sciatica pain.

Occupation: Jobs that require you to lift and carry heavy loads, twist your back, or drive a vehicle for long periods of time will put you at greater risk for sciatica.

Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts more pressure on your spine, which can lead to spinal changes that trigger sciatica.

Sitting: Sitting for prolonged periods or leading a sedentary lifestyle will put you at greater risk for developing sciatica.

Diabetes: Diabetes affects the way your body processes blood sugar. This can lead to increased nerve damage that causes sciatic pain.

How Can a Chiropractor Help With Sciatica?

Chiropractor stretching patient’s leg as patient lays on a table. Jpg

In some cases, sciatica pain resolves on its own. In other cases, it’s best to seek medical attention for your sciatic pain.

A chiropractor can help relieve your sciatic pain in a gentle and natural manner. Here are the ways a chiropractor can help:

Diagnosis

Chiropractic care revolves around the concept that restricted movement of the spine can lead to pain and reduced function. If you’re experiencing sciatic pain, your chiropractor will perform a physical exam and review your medical history to determine what’s causing the pain.

They’ll then be able to put together a treatment plan that allows your body to heal itself in a drug-free, non-invasive manner.

Ultrasounds

When most of us think of ultrasounds, we think of detecting pregnancy and images of babies. However, chiropractors also use ultrasound technology to generate vibrations deep into the body’s tissue.

This helps to ease cramping, improve circulation, reduce swelling and muscle spasms, and reduce pain. In some cases, chiropractors may use other modalities to relieve sciatica pain, such as low-level laser therapy.

This type of therapy helps to reduce irritation, swelling, and musculoskeletal pain. Some chiropractors also use a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit. This is a small battery-powered device that increases endorphins, reduces pain, and relaxes muscle spasms.

Acupuncture may also help with sciatica pain. Click here to learn more about acupuncture!

Massage Therapy

Chiropractors also help relieve sciatica pain through massage therapy. The techniques chiropractors use induce the release of endorphins and deep muscle relaxation.

While a regular spa massage may help to relieve some soreness and tension, a chiropractic massage hones in on healing and soothing the sciatic nerve. Because chiropractors have deep knowledge of the body’s musculoskeletal system, they know exactly where to apply pressure to ensure healing.

Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulation, serve as the core chiropractic treatment. During an adjustment, your chiropractor will use their hands or a small instrument to apply controlled force to the spinal joint.

Adjustments help to realign the spine and free it from restricted movement so the body can return to proper alignment. They also help to reduce pain associated with nerve inflammation and ease muscle spasms, allowing for long-term relief.

Hot and Cold Therapy

Heat and cold therapy can offer quick relief for sciatica pain. While heat therapy relieves muscle tightness and dulls pain, cold therapy slows down the flow of blood and decreases inflammation.

You can work with your chiropractor to figure out which treatment is suitable for you and how often to alternate them.

Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression involves gently stretching the spine to change its position. Changing the position of the spine helps alleviate pressure from the spinal discs by creating negative pressure.

As a result, the herniated or bulged disc retracts, taking pressure off the nerves and other areas of the spine. If you suffer from sciatica pain due to a herniated disc, this can be particularly helpful.

Exercise and Lifestyle Changes

Exercise and lifestyle changes can also make a huge difference for sciatica pain sufferers. Your chiropractor can recommend exercises that not only avoid aggravating sciatic pain, but also help relieve tightness and inflammation.

Often, the exercises involve stretching routines that you can easily do at home. Your chiropractor will also take time to look at all aspects of your life to determine what changes you can make to relieve sciatic pain.

For example, they may recommend that you sit, stand, or sleep in a new position. Or, they may recommend you change your diet.

Are You Ready to Visit a Chiropractor for Your Sciatica?

As you can see, chiropractors can offer a multitude of treatments to relieve sciatic pain.

With the right chiropractor by your side, you’ll experience sciatic pain relief in no time. Now, all you need to do is find the right chiropractor for your needs.

If you’re looking to see a chiropractor in the Portland, Oregon area, contact us today.

Katherine V.

March 9, 2023.

While recovering from injuries sustained from a car accident, I have seen a few different acupuncturists as well as a chiropractor and masseuse at Inner Gate, and I have appreciated them all. The care I've received has been stellar - compassionate, personable, considerate, and soothing. Truly, Inner Gate practitioners have greatly helped me in my healing process. Thank you!

Abbie W.

July 26, 2022.

I have been seeing Nick Maxwell for Craniosacral massage for the last several months after a car accident left me with whiplash, nagging low back pain, a mild concussion, and stress and anxiety. He is an incredibly gifted healer that has helped me immensely! I have had a plethora of bodywork over the years, and I can undoubtedly say that his massages are the best. He has also helped with digestive issues/SIBO/nervous system recovery. I would never see anyone else again after finding him. I am much calmer, happier, and healing well thanks in big part to his care.

Elizabeth M.

February 10, 2022.

Well, I will start by saying that Nicholas Maxwell is my favorite massage therapist. I went to him after 1 year of shoulder pain. Before going to him, I was waiting for the pain to just go away; it didn't. He was the first person I sought any help from. I'm sorry to say, I didn't expect that much relief from a massage but after about 3 sessions I felt close to cured of 1 whole year of pain! He recommended a great physical therapist to solve my shoulder stiffness and pain. My pt said that Nick did a great job of loosening up the muscles for a quicker recovery. Nick seemed to wipe out all the surface pain and extraneous tenderness so that my pt could pinpoint my injury which turned out to be shoulder tendonitis. Now I see both of them concurrently. They both gave the same estimate for recovery, which was shorter than I thought it would be. I've had more that 50 massages in my lifetime (CA, NY, NV), Nick is the only massage therapist I have been to that leaves me feeling better for days and days after the actual massage. If I could describe what Nick's massages feel like, it would be like this: If the ocean waves had massaging hands, they would be Nick's. Before going to Nick, I am a chuck steak. After my massage, I am filet mignon. What can I say, Nick Is Awesome!!

Julian J.

November 4, 2021.

My physical therapist suggested acupuncture for my chronic knee injury in July 2021. I'm going to explain my story, but I want to say at the beginning that Emma Ellsworth at Inner Gate Health & Wellness saved me from a life of chronic pain. It's really difficult and frustrating to find good care anywhere these days, so trust me when I tell you that you can end your search now. Just call Inner Gate and ask for Emma. I always find it helpful to read health care reviews from folks who suffer from the same issues as me, so here's a bit about my medical history: My orthopedic physician diagnosed me with IT band syndrome in my right knee in January 2021. I began a course of physical therapy, but not only did the IT band syndrome not get better, I actually developed IT band syndrome in my left leg due to overcompensation. I pushed myself a little too hard and started noticing that even very light exercise would cause my symptoms to flare up (inflammation, pain, swelling, etc.). By May 2021, I could not walk more than 3 blocks at a time without my knees flaring up. Keep in mind that I'm an otherwise healthy person in my mid-30s. I then developed hamstring tendinopathy in both legs, I assume to disuse. Along with preexisting patellofemoral pain syndrome issues, suffice to say that my knees were totally busted, okay. After all that, my physical therapist and orthopedic physician basically threw their hands up and suggested either cortisone shots for the rest of my life, acupuncture, or prescription pain medication that I really shouldn't be taking due to family history of hypertension. In comes Emma. I'm a huge believer in modern Western medicine and everything, but Emma succeeded where two physical therapists, a physiatrist, my orthopedic physician, and my primary care doctor all failed. Emma succeeded not only because she did something they did not - acupuncture - but she succeeded because she was more effective and patient at taking time to find the actual root cause of my issues. She is super methodical about interviewing me at the beginning of every session, evaluating what worked / didn't work from last time, trying out new areas for acupuncture, and over the course of 4 weeks eventually found an acupuncture solution that reduced my pain. I remember when it happened - I had an acupuncture session one Friday in October, and two days later I was going for a walk and ended up walking like 3 times further than I had walked in the past 6 months. I stopped and was like, "Wow my legs don't hurt at all." The pain literally vanished, went from a 5-6/10 on the pain scale all day every day down to 0-1. The massive pain reduction has allowed me to resume my physical therapy exercises with less pain and start rebuilding my knee strength. I still go to acupuncture to deal with some knee meniscus issues and overall wellness / mental health issues. Honestly, I feel such a tremendous sense of wellness after every acupuncture session that I kind of don't ever want to stop going. Anyway, if you made it this far, thanks for reading and hopefully my story is helpful. Seriously, go see the folks at Inner Gate. You won't regret it!!

Mitchell P.

October 19, 2021.

Inner Gate Health & Wellness provides exceptional care! Their staff, specifically Emma Ellsworth, is skillful, compassionate, and effective at providing holistic healing services, including acupuncture. I highly recommend treatment with Inner Gate and Emma Ellsworth for symptoms including depression, anxiety, pelvic floor pain, back pain, and digestion issues.

Ruben S.

April 15, 2021.

This is a long overdue, rave review for Terry. I've been to many acupuncturists over the last decade and she is hands down the most helpful and accommodating. I came in with a very unsolvable problem (tinnitus) and had tried everything before coming to Terry. Terry has helped improve my symptoms with Tinnitus and a number of other issues. She's also extremely patient and takes time out of every session at the beginning to go over progress and how I'm feeling. She has a good understanding of my problems and is always ready with solutions to help. Acupuncture with Terry is one of the highlights of my week -- thank you for being so great!!

Dr. Kaley B.

November 28, 2020.

Very impressed! Great acupuncture, well organized front desk. Liz is fantastic, and I'm not a fan of needles. Finally got some relief from back and neck pain. Looking forward to a few more sessions!

Abbie W.

September 15, 2020.

I highly recommend Oliver Leonetti at Innergate Acupuncture! I have seen him for the last 12 years for various ailments - ranging from nagging sports injuries to digestive issues to insomnia/anxiety, and he always provides the highest level of care that truly lasts. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable and skilled, but he is super kind and caring and always take the time to truly listen. I always feel better after leaving my appointment. I honestly do not know what I would do without Oliver or Innergate Acupuncture! Also, I've seen several of the acupuncturists there, and they are all fantastic as well.

M W.

July 9, 2020.

I can't recommend these guys enough! I have a 10 yr old competitive skier who was having some knee pain & had never had acupuncture done before...not only did these guys gently ease him into the entire process - they also helped him get back on the ski hill after the first couple of treatments I was super impressed with their professionalism & how both Liz and Casey approached his injury - now my little guy looks forward to going to his acupuncture appointments! Yay! Thank you a zillion times over for taking such good care of my little guy.

Abby J.

January 9, 2020.

I used to think acupuncture was sort of hokey. Not total witchcraft, but definitely not the magic, cure-all that people said. Well, folks, a few months in and I can report that I'm a changed woman! Well, really, it only took one session. Terry took my whole health history into consideration and helped with everything. Anxiety, sleeplessness, colds, ankle injuries, back pain--you name it. I've come in with problems and always left improved. I'm sure all the acupuncturists are lovely, but I want to stress how awesome Terry is. She takes my concerns seriously without making me feel like I'm at a stuffy doctors office. She approaches her work with humor and friendliness and is spot on with her treatment. Terry has made me feel comfortable from the get-go and has made my weekly appointments something for me to look forward to. My friends all have heard me rave about her, so I'd say everyone I know should go see her, but then I may never be able to squeeze in my appointments again! Just kidding, of course. Also, big props to the front desk staff too. They have been super kind and helpful when guiding me through insurance issues or unexpected after work traffic. I'd highly recommend Inner Gate SE to anyone with any ailment!

Chiropractor for Sciatica: How it Helps