Sciatica
Assessment-led care for radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and nerve irritation traveling from the low back into the leg.
Struggling With Sciatica?
If you are experiencing pain that radiates from the back or buttocks all the way down the legs, you may have a common condition called sciatica. Many people look for a Chiro 1st chiropractor so they do not have to suffer from the pain of sciatica.
An untreated sciatic condition can continue to worsen and make the daily tasks of living go from difficult to impossible.
Sciatic Treatment
Sciatica, also known as sciatic neuralgia, causes pain in the lower back, down the back of the leg, and into the foot. It can make sitting and standing for long periods difficult and can lead to weakness, tingling, and numbness in the leg and foot.
The reason the pain travels so far is because it is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body. When the vertebrae in the low back are compressed, the roots of the sciatic nerve can become pinched and irritated.
How Do You Develop Sciatica?
Sciatica is most commonly caused by disc injuries and bulges. In that case, the disc presses against the nerve root causing the issue. Disc injuries can occur because of poor posture, repetitive use injuries, and accidents.
Sciatica is also common when there are subluxations, or misalignments, in the spine due to postural issues, pregnancy, or trauma.
Chiropractic Care for Sciatica
Chiro 1st chiropractors are highly trained to zero in on the source of sciatica and to work with the patient in determining the most suitable approach to treatment. After a thorough assessment of the individual’s unique issue, gentle adjustments are made that allow the body to recover its natural alignment.
Sciatica Symptoms
Sciatica usually affects one side of the body. Symptoms can be mild and annoying or strong enough to stop you from sitting, standing, or walking. Common symptoms include:
- Pain that runs from the low back or buttock down the back of the leg
- Burning, sharp, or electric pain in the leg
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain that gets worse with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
Loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin, or weakness in both legs is a medical emergency. Go to the ER right away.
Your First Visit
What to Expect When You Come In for Sciatica
Finding where the nerve is being irritated is the key to treating sciatica.
History and Exam
We ask where the pain travels, how long it has been there, and which positions make it better or worse.
Clear Diagnosis
Nerve, reflex, and strength tests, plus digital X-rays when needed, help us find where the nerve is pinched.
Treatment and Home Plan
Adjustments, soft tissue work, and nerve-friendly exercises. When a disc is involved, we may add spinal decompression.
Easing Sciatica Between Visits
What you do at home matters as much as what happens in the clinic. These tips help calm an irritated sciatic nerve:
- Keep moving with short, easy walks instead of bed rest
- Avoid sitting for long periods and get up often
- Try ice or heat, whichever feels better, for 15 to 20 minutes
- Do the stretches your chiropractor gives you each day
- Avoid heavy lifting and twisting until the pain settles
Related Conditions
Other Conditions We Treat
Sciatica often shows up alongside other problems. These are related conditions our chiropractors treat every day.
Disc Injury
Bulging and herniated discs that cause back or neck pain and nerve symptoms.
Learn About Disc Injury
Back Pain
Low back and mid back pain from strain, posture, disc irritation, and joint stiffness.
Learn About Back Pain
Neuropathy
Burning, tingling, and numbness in the feet or hands from irritated nerves.
Learn About NeuropathyWhy Chiro 1st
Why Patients Choose Chiro 1st for Sciatica
With more than 3,500 patient reviews and a 4.9 star average, patients across western Washington trust Chiro 1st for clear answers and steady progress. Here is what they tell us matters most.
Licensed chiropractors
Experienced doctors at every clinic. Meet the team.
Exam before treatment
Every plan starts with an exam, and digital X-rays when they are needed.
Seven clinics
Locations from Everett to Federal Way, with same-week visits at many clinics.
Non-surgical care
A drug-free option to try before injections or surgery. See insurance and payment options.
Sciatica Chiropractor Near You
Every Chiro 1st clinic treats sciatica, and you do not need a referral. Choose the location closest to you and book online.
Sciatica FAQs
Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?
Yes. Chiropractic care aims to take pressure off the irritated nerve by improving how the low back and pelvis move, and by easing tight muscles. Many sciatica patients improve without injections or surgery.
How long does sciatica last?
Many cases improve within 4 to 6 weeks, but some last longer or keep coming back. Getting care early can help speed up recovery.
Should I rest or stay active with sciatica?
Gentle activity like walking is usually better than bed rest. Avoid long periods of sitting and heavy lifting while the nerve calms down.
What is the difference between sciatica and a herniated disc?
Sciatica is the symptom: pain along the sciatic nerve. A herniated disc is one of the most common causes. Your exam helps tell which structure is involved.
When is sciatica an emergency?
Go to the ER if you lose bladder or bowel control, have numbness in the groin area, or develop weakness in both legs.
Ready to Fix Your Pain?
Choose a nearby clinic, schedule your first visit, and get a plan built around real progress.
Book Online