Sciatica

Chiropractic treatment has been scientifically proven to successfully treat many painful musculoskeletal ailments. At our Portland, Oregon chiropractic clinic, Starkwood Chiropractic, we have a team of highly trained, professional chiropractors who will do everything in their power to help relieve your back pain, neck pain and any other pain you are experiencing in other parts of your body. We are proud to provide our patients in the Portland area with outstanding chiropractic care.

Chiropractic Care for Sciatica | Portland Chiropractors

Sciatica is one of the conditions that our talented chiropractors have the expertise to treat. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in your body, and it runs from the lower back all the way down through both of your legs. The sciatic nerve is responsible for sending and receiving nerve signals to and from your thighs, legs and feet. Sciatica is actually a group of symptoms that are caused by the sciatic nerve being pinched or inflamed. One of the common symptoms is a shooting pain that runs from your lower back and down into one of your legs. People with sciatica experience numbness or a tingling sensation in the legs and feet, typically only on one side of the body. Sciatica only gets worse over time, and is often aggravated by quick, jolting movements, such as a sneeze. As opposed to medication, chiropractic treatment works to heal the underlying cause of your Sciatica and doesn’t just mask the symptoms. With a chiropractic adjustment, we can restore your spinal function and ease the pressure on your sciatic nerve. Our Portland chiropractors can also recommend beneficial stretches and exercises that will aid you in your long-term recovery. Here are some common chiropractic treatments for sciatica:

  • Spinal manipulation: Spinal manipulation is a common chiropractic treatment that involves applying controlled force to the spine to realign the vertebrae and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. The chiropractor may use their hands or a specialized instrument to deliver the adjustment.
  • Flexion-distraction technique: The flexion-distraction technique is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that involves the use of a specialized table to stretch the spine while the chiropractor applies manual pressure. This can help to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and reduce pain.
  • Pelvic blocking: Pelvic blocking involves the use of specially designed wedges or blocks to help realign the pelvis and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. The chiropractor may use this technique in conjunction with other treatments, such as spinal manipulation or massage therapy.
  • Electrical stimulation: Electrical stimulation involves the use of low-level electrical impulses to stimulate the muscles and nerves in the affected area. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation, and promote healing.
  • Ultrasound therapy: Ultrasound therapy uses high-frequency sound waves to stimulate blood flow and reduce inflammation in the affected area. This can help to alleviate pain and promote healing.

In addition to these treatments, the chiropractor may also recommend exercises and stretches to help improve flexibility and strength in the affected area, as well as advice on posture and ergonomics to help prevent future episodes of sciatica.

It’s important to note that chiropractic care is not appropriate for everyone with sciatica, and patients with certain medical conditions or injuries may need to pursue other treatment options. It’s important to seek treatment from a licensed chiropractor who has experience treating sciatica and to follow their advice on treatment and self-care to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment plan.

Whether you have sciatica, or if you are just tired of feeling that “knot” in your neck muscles, our chiropractors can help ease your pain. Feel free to contact us any time. We offer free consultations and we are always happy to answer your questions.