Sciatica and Chiropractic

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is characterized by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Commonly caused by a herniated disk, bone spur, or spinal stenosis compressing part of the nerve, sciatica typically affects one side of the body. The pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort. Sometimes it can feel like a jolt or electric shock.

Some common causes include lumbar subluxation, disc herniation, piriformis syndrome, spondylolisthesis, pregnancy, spinal tumors, and spinal stenosis.  Risk factors for developing sciatica include age, gender, height, weight, occupational factors, and environmental factors.

Prolonged sitting or standing, as well as sudden movements like coughing or sneezing, can exacerbate the symptoms. While most cases of sciatica resolve with conservative treatments within a few weeks, some individuals may experience chronic or severe pain, necessitating further interventions.

Sciatica is diagnosed by a thorough review of the medical history, a physical examination, and a neurological examination.  In some cases, imaging may be required.  In addition to x-rays, CT, MRI, and nerve conduction testing may be performed.

Research has shown that chiropractic interventions can provide significant relief for sciatica patients, improving pain levels, mobility, and overall quality of life.

The nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body and structural shifts in the spine can occur that obstruct the nerves and interfere with their function. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction that chiropractors correct.

By removing the structural shifts, chiropractic reduces inflammation, enhances nerve function, and promotes natural healing processes. The chiropractic adjustment is the means by which the structural shifts are removed.  It is a safe, specific force applied to a joint. Chiropractic helps the body heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery.


Sciatica, Shoulder pain, and Sleep Improve After Chiropractic Care

The 33-year-old male in this case study had complaints of persistent right shoulder pain, bilateral sciatica, poor posture, and poor-quality sleep. His pain was constant, worsened by specific movements and prolonged sedentary periods, and temporarily relieved by stretches and constant movement.

The chiropractor examined him and found structural shifts in his upper neck, mid back, and lower back.  He had postural changes, pain, and tight muscles in his neck and throughout his body.  X-rays of the upper cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine confirmed these findings.  These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction hat chiropractors correct.

Following chiropractic care, he experienced immediate and significant improvements in his symptoms.

The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this patient population.


References:

Improvements in Sciatica, Sleep Issues & Shoulder Pain with Upper Cervical Chiropractic: A Case Study.  Brett Berner DC.  Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ Volume, 2024.