Sciatica Relief: How Rehab Chiropractic Can Help You Feel Better

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down through your hips, buttocks, and legs. The pain can vary from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or even excruciating discomfort. Some people experience numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg. Sciatica typically affects only one side of the body, and the severity of symptoms can range from occasional and irritating to chronic and debilitating.

Sciatica usually occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated. Common causes of sciatica can include a herniated disc, bone spurs on the spine, or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine). In some cases, the condition may be triggered by a sudden injury, but it can also develop gradually due to wear and tear on the spine. Prolonged and repetitive movements like sitting and conditions like pregnancy or diabetes can increase the risk of developing sciatica.

While sciatica itself is a specific issue, it can be exacerbated by other conditions such as hip pain, knee pain, and plantar fasciitis, which can occur due to altered movement patterns or compensations. Pregnancy can also contribute to sciatica as the growing uterus puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. Additionally, piriformis syndrome, where the piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve, can mimic or trigger sciatica-like symptoms, further complicating the condition. Recognizing these interconnected issues is crucial for effective treatment and long-term pain relief.

Rehab chiropractic care can be a highly effective treatment for managing and/or relieving sciatica. Rehab chiropractors use a variety of techniques to relieve nerve compression, reduce inflammation, and improve spinal alignment, which may include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and specific exercises designed to strengthen the muscles supporting your spine. Rehab chiropractic care focuses on treating the underlying cause of sciatica, not just the symptoms, which can lead to long-term relief and improved function.

At Renew Integrative Health, we take a personalized approach to treating sciatica and its symptoms.  We’ll begin with a comprehensive assessment to identify the specific cause of your sciatica symptoms and develop a customized treatment plan that may include spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle recommendations. Our goal is to help you reduce pain, restore function, and prevent future flare-ups so you can return to your normal activities with confidence.