top of page

Say Goodbye to Sciatic Pain: The Chiropractic Solution for Lasting Relief!

Writer's picture: Daniel Zorn, D.C.Daniel Zorn, D.C.

Updated: Nov 1, 2024

Are you experiencing a sharp, shooting pain that travels from your lower back down your leg? It could be your sciatic nerve's way of indicating something's wrong. This common complaint can limit our daily activity and affect our overall health and well-being. This article will outline some common questions patients ask about sciatic nerve pain and treatment.


Sciatic nerve pain from sitting, muscle spams.
Sciatic pain from sitting

What is sciatic pain?

Sciatic pain, also known as sciatica, refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve. This nerve root originates in the lower back, extends through the buttocks, and travels down each leg. Sciatica typically affects only one side of the body.

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, and when it is compressed or irritated, it can cause a range of symptoms.


These symptoms can include:

  1. Sharp pain in the lower back, buttocks, and leg (usually on one side).

  2. Numbness or tingling in the affected leg.

  3. Weakness in the leg or foot.

  4. Difficulty in standing up or walking due to the pain.

  5. A burning sensation or a shooting pain down the leg.


If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please don't hesitate to give us a call at Skyline Chiropractic and Sports Medicine or e-mail us at danielzorn@skylinechiropractor.com


What causes sciatic nerve pain?

Sciatic pain is most commonly caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. Several underlying conditions can trigger this or be risk factors for sciatic nerve pain, including:

  1. Herniated disc or slipped disc: Disc injuries can take many forms including bulges, herniations and ruptures. Each type of disc injury can put pressure on a nerve root and cause pain into the lower extremities.

  2. Spinal stenosis: Spinal canal narrowing can compress the nerves of the lower back, leading to numbness/tingling and pain in the lower extremities.

  3. Bone spurs: Bone spurs are caused by degenerative changes in the spine, which can lead to nerve root irritation.

  4. Piriformis syndrome: This occurs when the piriformis muscle, the pelvis, becomes tight and irritated. This can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause pain in the butt and leg.

  5. Degenerative disc disease: Wear and tear in the spinal discs and joints, leading to nerve compression.

  6. Trauma or injury: Falls, accidents, or other injuries can damage the spine or muscles, affecting the sciatic nerve.


Extended sitting, being overweight, and having bad posture can also cause sciatic pain by putting extra strain on the spine.


How does sciatic nerve pain feel?

Sciatic nerve pain can feel sharp, shooting, or burning, radiating from the lower back down through the buttock and into the leg. One lower extremity, the leg, is typically affected by this condition. In addition to pain, sciatica may cause numbness, tingling (pins and needles), or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot, making walking or standing difficult.


How to ease Sciatic pain? 

The best way to treat sciatic pain is first to determine if it is sciatic pain. A timely appointment is best for quick relief; the longer the symptoms persist, the worse the outcome.

  • Accurate Diagnosis of Sciatica: Chiropractic treatment begins with a thorough evaluation of the spine. We will check for underlying causes of joint pain, restricted movement, or asymmetries, as well as tight muscles or spasms that can contribute to sciatic pain. Chiropractic treatment will involve a whole-body, natural approach without drugs or surgery.

  • Chiropractic adjustments: A chiropractor can use spinal manipulation to improve joint motion of the spine. This can restore any misalignments and take pressure off spinal nerves. Chiropractic treatment can vary, but at Skyline Chiropractic we can use both manual adjustments or low force/mechanical adjustments depending on each patients needs. These manipulations ease improve joint motion and muscle spasms, which will help with long-term relief.

  • Manual therapy: Chiropractic treatment at Skyline Chiropractic and Sports Medicine will include manual therapy. This treatment helps relieve muscle tension and trigger points in the lower back and glutes. Chiropractic manual therapy is more directed toward soothing and healing sciatica.

  • Spinal decompression: As we age or experience trauma, our spinal discs may dehydrate and thin out, leading to nerve impingement and spinal compression. At Skyline Chiropractic, we employ spinal decompression to alleviate the nerve compression causing sciatica discomfort. This may involve elongating the spine and increasing the gap between the vertebrae.

  • Chiropractic exercises: Movement is Medicine. However, not all movements are created equal regarding sciatic injuries. Specific movements can exacerbate sciatica pain.

    A chiropractor will recommend exercises that not only avoid sciatic nerve aggravation but also help release the pressure from inflamed and tight muscles. Exercises that increase mobility and improve core muscle strength are typically recommended during different stages of treatment.

  • Lifestyle changes: Modifications to daily activities, such as sitting or standing or repetitive motions, may be necessary to help alleviate the lower back pain and radiating leg pain from sciatica. This is beneficial for the short—and long-term success of treatment.


Other treatments that can help include ice cold packs and heat, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation, which act as anti-inflammatory agents for sciatic nerve injury.







How long does sciatica last?

The duration of sciatic pain can vary depending on the underlying cause and the patient's response to treatment. For many patients, acute sciatica (caused by sudden injury or strain) lasts anywhere from a few days to several weeks, typically improving within 2 to 6 weeks with proper care.

The longer the symptoms persist, the more difficult they can be to treat. This is another reason it is important to seek treatment sooner rather than later.


Does sleeping cause sciatica?

Sleeping itself doesn't directly cause sciatic pain. Still, when the sciatic nerve is irritated, the sleeping position (legs outstretched) can increase irritation of the nerve root and lower back.

Here are some ways sleep can affect sciatic pain:

  1. Poor sleeping posture: Sleeping in positions that misalign the spine, such as on your stomach or with a twisted lower back, can increase pressure on the sciatic nerve and worsen pain.

  2. Lack of support: A mattress that is too soft or too firm may not properly support the spine.

  3. Sleeping on the affected side: Lying on the side of the body experiencing sciatica can compress the nerve further, increasing pain during or after sleep.


To minimize sciatic pain while sleeping, consider these tips:

  • Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees to reduce pressure on the lower back.

  • If you prefer side sleeping, place a pillow between your knees to keep your spine aligned.

  • Use a supportive mattress and pillows that maintain a neutral spine position.


What is lumbar radiculopathy?

Lumbar radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the lower spine (lumbar region) becomes compressed or irritated. This can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating down the leg. When the sciatic nerve is affected, it's commonly referred to as sciatica. However, lumbar radiculopathy can involve any nerve root in the lower back.

Common causes of lumbar radiculopathy include disc injuries, spinal stenosis, bone spurs, and disc degeneration (wear and tear).

Symptoms may include lower back pain, pain radiating into the buttocks, legs, or feet, muscle weakness, tingling, or numbness. Treatment often includes chiropractic care, manual therapy, and strengthening/rehabilitation exercises.


Bottom line

Sciatica pain can limit your daily activity, and although it is a common injury, there is no reason you should have to live in pain. With a proper diagnosis, you can get relief by starting a treatment program with Dr. Zorn or Dr. Zuppe.

At Skyline Chiropractic, we treat every patient individually and specifically tailor treatment to every patient's needs for fast and lasting relief. We want you to get back to doing what you enjoy and love.


If you are in Aliquippa and experiencing back pain, sciatic nerve symptoms, or numbness and tingling in your legs, please do not hesitate to call for an evaluation at Skyline Chiropractic and Sports Medicine at 724-203-0783 or danielzorn@skylinechiropractor.com


Locally owned and operated in Hopewell Township, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania 15001, since 2012.




33 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Комментарии


Choose a time
Respond to me via:

For more info, read the Email Communication Disclaimer and our Privacy Policy.

Thanks for submitting!

Call to schedule a consultation today!

724 203 0783

VISIT US AT

2253 Brodhead Rd.

Aliquippa, PA

15001

OFFICE HOURS

MONDAY:  8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

TUESDAY:  8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

WEDNESDAY:  8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

THURSDAY:  8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

FRIDAY:  8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

SATURDAY:  9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

© 2023 by Skyline Chiropractic & Sports Medicine

n. design Credit
bottom of page