Ask Dr. Sarah – Will Chiropractic Help Sciatica?

​Dr. Sarah,
 
I have trouble with sciatica, and I’ve been told that a chiropractor can help me with it. Having never been to a chiropractor before, I wasn’t sure if this was true, or what I should expect. Is that my best option, or will something else work better?
 
- L.D.
 
 
Hi L.D.,
 
This is a great topic to get into, mainly because sciatica is a problem that unfortunately many people suffer from. For those who don’t know, sciatica is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. This can cause mild to severe pain in the back, hips, and legs. In some instances, it can travel as far as the feet. Other common symptoms are numbness, burning, weakness, and difficulty moving.

​Treatment of sciatica can often include muscle relaxants, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory drugs, but these are only temporary steps that simply mask the painful symptoms. Chiropractic is an effective option, as it directly addresses the problem, which is the sciatic nerve. This is a non-invasive option, and doesn’t rely on painkillers and medication to mask the pain you are experiencing.
 
First, a functional assessment is done to determine that cause of the sciatica. From there, a personalized treatment plan is created to ensure that the problem itself is dealt with, and not just the symptoms.
 
While chiropractic is beneficial, one of the best ways to deal with sciatica is actually through acupuncture, which we also offer at our clinic. At Bodylab, we combine the traditional Chinese acupuncture methods with the scientific, neurological, and anatomical approach to the nervous system, to stimulate and create a balance. Acupuncture is a great option for sciatica for a number of reasons – it’s highly effective especially for pain relief, it is risk-free, and it is painless and won’t cause further discomfort.
 
That said, because sciatica manifests itself differently in each person who suffers from it, every treatment plan must be individual. For some, chiropractic is the best option; for others, acupuncture. In certain cases, a plan that utilizes both may prove to be most effective. We recommend that you book a consultation in our office so we can asses your specific needs and create the best treatment plan for you. With the proper care, we can find the root of your sciatica and work to fix the problem.