Dr.'s Blog

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg. The pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or severe discomfort. In some cases, the pain is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg.

Prevalence of Sciatica

Sciatica is a common issue, affecting approximately 10% to 40% of the population at some point in their lives. It’s particularly prevalent among people aged 30 to 50. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that sciatica affects up to 5% of adults in the U.S., with higher rates among those who engage in physically demanding activities.

Common Approaches to Sciatica Care

Traditionally, people with sciatica try various methods to manage their pain and symptoms:

• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or NSAIDs are the most common things recommended by our medical community (as well as what people are inundated with through pharmaceutical advertising). If someone goes to the emergency room or urgent care for help… they will most likely walk out with muscle relaxers or a stronger pain killer. This approach may provide some relief in the moment, but is not actually fixing/correcting any underlying issue.
• Rest and Ice/Heat Therapy: Applying ice packs or heat packs to the affected area can provide some relief, symptomatically. If the problem is due to an actual injury, ice is no longer a recommendation as it inhibits natural healing processes.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve flexibility and strengthen muscles. This is a helpful part of the recovery process. I love to combine some of these aspects into my care plans for patients. If you are seeking PT care specifically, I would find someone that is functionally based and will utilize various approaches to help you along your healing process as best as possible.
• Massage Therapy: Professional massage to relieve muscle tension and focus on the soft tissue can be helpful in the recovery process.
• Stretching, Mobility & Strength: Regular stretching exercises aimed at relieving stress/pressure on the sciatic nerve can be beneficial, if addressed appropriately. I would utilize a combination of stretching, mobility work, and strengthening to get the best results.

While these methods can provide temporary relief, many people find that their symptoms come and go, or nothing seems to fully resolve the issue.

That is where a comprehensive approach will provide the best results!

My Chiropractic Approach to Sciatica at Minnetonka Family Chiropractic

As a chiropractor specializing in treating sciatica, I’ve met with hundreds of patients experiencing similar stories: their symptoms “appear out of nowhere,” with no specific injury or incident triggering the pain. Many have tried various methods like medications, rest, ice/heat, and stretching, but found no lasting relief.

Get to the Cause

When it comes to fixing a nerve issue like sciatica, it’s essential to identify the underlying cause. That’s why we start with a thorough consultation, assessment, and exam. We also take specific digital X-rays of the spine, hips, and pelvis to assess any structural conditions or alignment issues that could be causing the sciatica.

By obtaining detailed information through our comprehensive assessment, we can properly diagnose the root cause of the sciatica. This allows us to create an individualized care plan that addresses the specific needs of each patient.

My individualized plans typically incorporate a combination of corrective treatments in the office, as well as personalized home care exercises to help you progress in the best possible way.

Tailored Care Plans for Lasting Relief

We believe in a holistic approach to treating sciatica. Our care plans often include:

• Chiropractic Adjustments: To correct misalignments in the spine and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
• Home Care Exercises: Specific exercises designed to support and maintain progress between visits.
• Lifestyle Recommendations: Guidance on posture, ergonomics, and activities to avoid further aggravating the condition.

Real-Life Success Stories

We see patients with sciatica issues on a weekly basis and have helped countless individuals in similar situations find relief. By providing personalized, specific care, we help our patients get back to feeling better, moving better, and enjoying their favorite activities. Not only do we aim to alleviate current symptoms, but we also focus on preventing worse conditions down the road.

Dealing with such issues

Don’t wait to get help

If you or someone you know is struggling with sciatica, don’t hesitate to reach out. Schedule an appointment with us at Minnetonka Family Chiropractic, where you’ll receive the personalized, specific care you need and deserve. Let’s work together to get you back to living your life pain-free.

Visit drjustinlee.com to learn more or book your appointment today.

References

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Sciatica Overview
• Mayo Clinic: Sciatica Symptoms and Causes
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Sciatica Fact Sheet

By leveraging chiropractic care to address sciatica, we focus on the root cause of the issue to provide lasting relief and improve overall quality of life.

Summary of Relevant Research on Sciatica and Chiropractic Care

Research Highlights

1. Effectiveness of Chiropractic Adjustments

• A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) examined the effects of chiropractic adjustments on patients with sciatica. The results indicated that chiropractic care significantly reduced pain and improved function in individuals with sciatica. Specifically, patients receiving chiropractic adjustments reported greater pain relief compared to those receiving other conventional treatments such as physical therapy or medication .

1. Long-term Benefits

• Research from the Spine Journal found that chiropractic care provided long-term benefits for sciatica patients. The study followed patients for a year and discovered that those who received chiropractic adjustments experienced sustained pain reduction and functional improvements. This study emphasizes the long-term efficacy of chiropractic care in managing sciatica symptoms .

1. Comparison with Standard Medical Care

• A randomized controlled trial published in Spine compared the outcomes of chiropractic care versus standard medical care (medications, physical therapy) for sciatica. The trial concluded that chiropractic care was more effective in reducing the intensity and duration of sciatica pain. Patients receiving chiropractic adjustments had better outcomes in terms of pain reduction and overall satisfaction compared to those who received standard medical care .

1. Neurological Impact of Chiropractic Adjustments

• An article in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine discussed the neurological effects of chiropractic adjustments on the sciatic nerve. The study highlighted that spinal adjustments could help alleviate nerve compression, leading to reduced inflammation and improved nerve function. These neurological benefits are crucial for the effective management of sciatica, as they address the root cause of nerve irritation .

Summary

Chiropractic care has been shown to be an effective treatment for sciatica, with multiple studies indicating significant pain reduction and functional improvements. Research highlights the superiority of chiropractic adjustments over standard medical care in terms of pain relief and patient satisfaction. Moreover, chiropractic care provides long-term benefits, addressing the root cause of sciatica by alleviating nerve compression and improving nerve function.

Patients suffering from sciatica can benefit greatly from chiropractic care, which offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing pain and improving overall quality of life. By targeting the underlying issues of nerve compression and misalignment, chiropractic adjustments provide both immediate and sustained relief for sciatica sufferers.

Take Action

If you or someone you know is experiencing sciatica, consider scheduling an appointment at Minnetonka Family Chiropractic. Our personalized, comprehensive approach to care can help you achieve lasting relief and get back to enjoying your daily activities pain-free. Visit drjustinlee.com to learn more and book your appointment today.

References

1. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics: Chiropractic Care for Sciatica
2. Spine Journal: Long-term Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments
3. Spine: Chiropractic Care vs. Standard Medical Care
4. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine: Neurological Impact of Chiropractic Adjustments