When you have a herniated disc, bone spurs, or another health condition that presses on the sciatic nerve in your lower back, you may experience pain, tingling and weakness in your hips, buttocks and legs. If this is happening, you should seek medical attention to avoid severe pain, loss of bladder or bowel control, and permanent muscle weakness.Your sciatica chiropractor will use spinal manipulation techniques and other natural practices to relieve your symptoms. They can also refer you to a physical or occupational therapist or an acupuncturist for additional treatment options.A chiropractic adjustment is a quick activity where the chiropractor uses their hands to gently move your vertebrae and joints into their correct position. This takes pressure off the sciatic nerve, which allows it to heal and alleviates your symptoms.Your chiropractor will likely also use soft tissue therapy, which involves massages and electric pulses that stimulate muscle or nerve tissues to improve circulation, reduce compression, and facilitate healing. This is helpful for relieving your sciatic nerve pain, as well as reducing the swelling and inflammation that can accompany it.
Chiropractors will also help you prevent sciatica by helping you maintain flexibility in your lower back, pelvis and hips. They may also recommend exercises to help strengthen your muscles and improve your posture. They can also teach you to stretch the piriformis muscles in your buttocks, which is a common cause of sciatic nerve pain. They can also use a foam roller to increase your range of motion, which may reduce your sciatic nerve pain.