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A chiropractor's office for a patient wondering if treatment can make their sciatica worse.
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Can a Chiropractor Make Sciatica Worse? What to Expect

Dr. Jonathan Lazar
Dr. Jonathan Lazar

Ask for advice on sciatica, and you’ll get a dozen different answers. Some people will tell you chiropractic care was the only thing that worked, while others might share cautionary tales. This leaves you stuck in the middle, wondering what to believe. The question, can a chiropractor make sciatica worse?, is a common one born from this confusion. The reality is that not all chiropractic care is the same. The right approach, based on a precise diagnosis and gentle techniques, is designed to relieve pressure, not add to it. Let’s clear up the myths and show you what to look for in a provider who can safely guide you toward lasting relief.

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Key Takeaways

  • True sciatica relief addresses the source: Sciatica is a symptom, not the actual problem. Effective chiropractic care focuses on correcting the underlying spinal misalignment that's putting pressure on the nerve, leading to lasting results.
  • An accurate diagnosis is the first step: A qualified chiropractor will use a thorough assessment and advanced diagnostics to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain before any adjustments are made. This ensures your treatment is safe and tailored to your specific needs.
  • Know the difference between healing and hurting: It's normal to feel mild, temporary soreness after an adjustment as your body adapts. However, sharp, increasing, or new radiating pain is not normal and should be communicated to your chiropractor immediately.

What Is Sciatica? Symptoms and Causes

If you’ve ever felt a sharp, shooting pain travel from your lower back down your leg, you might have immediately thought, "sciatica." It’s a common term, but it’s also widely misunderstood. Sciatica isn't a standalone diagnosis but rather a symptom of an underlying problem pressing on the sciatic nerve. Understanding what’s really going on is the first step toward finding lasting relief. Before we talk about treatment, let’s get clear on what sciatica is, what it feels like, and where it comes from.

What Is Sciatica, Really?

Think of sciatica as a distress signal from the longest nerve in your body. The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back, through your hips and buttocks, and down each leg. When something along this path compresses or irritates the nerve, it sends out pain signals that we call sciatica. The pain you feel isn't the root problem; it's the result of that pressure. The real issue could be a misaligned vertebra, a bulging disc, or something else entirely. Our goal is to find out exactly what is causing that irritation, because simply masking the pain won't fix the underlying issue. Sciatica is one of the most common conditions we help people with every day by addressing the source of the problem.

Common Signs of Sciatica

Sciatica feels different for everyone, but it has a few tell-tale characteristics. Most people describe it as a sharp, shooting, or burning pain, not a dull ache. This pain typically starts in the lower back or buttock and radiates down the back of the thigh and into the leg or foot. A key sign is that it usually affects only one side of your body. You might also experience numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot. The intensity can range from a mild annoyance to severe, debilitating pain that makes simple actions like standing, sitting, or walking incredibly difficult. If these symptoms sound familiar, you're not alone, and there are effective ways to find relief.

The Root Causes of Sciatica Pain

So, what’s actually putting pressure on that nerve? Several structural issues can be the culprit. One of the most common causes is a herniated or bulging disc in your lower spine, where the soft cushion between your vertebrae pushes out and presses on the nerve root. Another frequent cause is spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal that leaves less room for the nerves. Other potential causes include degenerative disc disease, arthritis in the spine, or even poor posture that creates chronic stress on your lower back. Identifying the precise cause is critical, as it determines the most effective treatment plan. We use specific techniques and diagnostics to pinpoint the exact source of the compression and correct it.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Sciatica

When you’re dealing with the shooting pain of sciatica, you want a solution that does more than just temporarily dull the ache. While medication can offer short-term relief, it doesn't address the structural issue causing the nerve irritation. Chiropractic care offers a different path—one that is non-surgical, drug-free, and focused on getting to the root of the problem. Instead of simply managing symptoms, our goal is to correct the underlying cause so your body can heal itself and you can find lasting relief from the pain that disrupts your daily life.

This approach is all about restoring proper function to your spine and nervous system. Think of your spine as the central communication highway for your body. When there's a roadblock—like a misaligned vertebra—it can create traffic jams and disruptions, like the pain, numbness, and weakness of sciatica. By identifying and gently correcting these misalignments, a chiropractor can clear that roadblock. This takes the pressure off the sciatic nerve, allowing inflammation to decrease and communication to be restored. It’s a way of working with your body’s natural healing abilities to restore balance and function from the inside out, rather than just covering up the warning signs.

The Goal of a Spinal Adjustment

The primary goal of a chiropractic adjustment for sciatica is to restore proper movement and alignment to the spine. When vertebrae in your lower back are out of place or not moving correctly, they can put direct pressure on the sciatic nerve root. An adjustment is a precise, gentle force applied to these areas to correct the misalignment. This simple correction can take pressure off the nerve, reduce inflammation, and allow your body to begin the healing process. It’s a targeted way to fix the mechanical problem causing the pain, which is why it’s one of the most effective conditions we help treat.

Our Upper Cervical Chiropractic Approach

While your pain might be in your lower back and leg, the root of the problem can sometimes be found at the very top of your spine. At Lazar Spinal Care, we specialize in an upper cervical approach. A misalignment in the neck can create a chain reaction, tilting your head and forcing your entire spine to twist and shift out of position to keep your eyes level with the horizon. This compensation can lead to an imbalance in your hips and lower back, ultimately irritating the sciatic nerve. Our unique Quantum Spinal Mechanics (QSM3) technique focuses on correcting this foundational imbalance to restore your body’s alignment from the top down.

Pinpointing the Problem with Advanced Diagnostics

Effective treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis. We don’t guess when it comes to your health. Your first visit involves a comprehensive assessment to understand the precise cause of your sciatica. We’ll discuss your health history and perform a thorough physical exam, but we also go a step further. We use advanced diagnostic tools, including PostureIQ™ and Insight™ neurological scans, to get a detailed picture of your spinal alignment and nervous system function. This data allows us to see exactly where the problem lies and create a care plan tailored to your specific needs. You can learn more about what to expect on our New Patients page.

Can a Chiropractor Actually Make Sciatica Worse?

It’s a fair question, and one we hear often. When you’re already dealing with the sharp, radiating pain of sciatica, the last thing you want is for any treatment to make it worse. The short answer is that when performed by a trained and licensed professional, chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to address the root cause of sciatica. However, it’s important to understand what to expect during the healing process. Sometimes, the path to feeling better includes a few new sensations along the way, but that doesn’t mean your condition is worsening. Let’s walk through what’s normal and what’s not.

The goal of a precise spinal adjustment is to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, not add to it. By correcting misalignments in the spine, especially in the upper cervical area, we can restore proper communication between your brain and body, allowing the irritated nerve to finally heal. This process is gentle and specific. While true aggravation of sciatica is rare under expert care, some temporary, mild soreness can be a normal part of your body’s response to positive change.

Why You Might Feel Sore After an Adjustment

Think about the first time you go to the gym after a long break. Your muscles are sore the next day, right? That soreness isn't a sign of injury; it’s a sign that your body is adapting and getting stronger. A similar thing can happen after a spinal adjustment. Your body has likely been compensating for a misalignment for a long time, and your muscles and ligaments have gotten used to that incorrect position. When we gently correct the alignment, we’re asking your body to hold a new, healthier posture. This can cause temporary soreness or tenderness as your body adjusts. It’s typically a sign that healing is underway.

Is It Temporary Soreness or a Deeper Issue?

The key difference between temporary soreness and a bigger problem often comes down to the chiropractor’s approach. A careful, precise adjustment from a trained professional is designed to relieve pressure, not add to it. At Lazar Spinal Care, our process for new patients begins with a comprehensive evaluation, including advanced diagnostics, to pinpoint the exact source of your sciatica. This ensures that any adjustment is tailored specifically to your body’s needs, which greatly minimizes the risk of aggravating the issue. True worsening of symptoms is rare, while mild, temporary soreness is a common part of the body’s natural healing response.

What's Normal to Feel After Treatment?

So, what should you expect to feel? It’s normal to experience some mild muscle stiffness or tenderness in the treated area for about 24 to 48 hours after your visit. This feeling is often described as similar to the ache you feel after a deep stretch or a good workout. This is your body’s inflammatory response kicking in to heal the area. What isn’t normal is a sharp increase in pain, new shooting pains down your leg, or increased numbness or weakness. Open communication is essential—if you ever feel that your pain is significantly worse or have concerns, you should always let your chiropractor know right away.

What Factors Influence Your Recovery?

Your path to feeling better is unique, and several key elements play a part in how quickly you find relief from sciatica. Think of it less like a rigid timeline and more like a personal journey influenced by a combination of factors. The right care plan recognizes that healing isn't one-size-fits-all. It depends on the practitioner you choose, the accuracy of your initial diagnosis, your individual health history, and the specific methods used to address the root cause of your pain. When these pieces align, you create the best possible environment for your body to heal. Understanding these factors can help you set realistic expectations and feel more empowered as you move forward with treatment.

Your Chiropractor's Expertise and Experience

The person guiding your care makes all the difference. A trained and licensed chiropractor has the skill to tailor adjustments specifically for your body and condition, which is essential for a safe and effective recovery. An experienced practitioner knows how to listen to your body’s feedback and modify your care plan as you progress. They understand the nuances of the spine and nervous system and can confidently address the structural shifts causing your sciatica. This level of personalized attention ensures you’re getting the right care at the right time. Our team at Lazar Spinal Care is dedicated to providing this kind of expert, compassionate support on your path to wellness.

The Importance of an Accurate Diagnosis

Effective treatment always starts with a clear and accurate diagnosis. Before any adjustments are made, your chiropractor should perform a thorough evaluation to understand exactly what’s causing your sciatic nerve pain. This process often involves discussing your medical history, conducting physical exams, and using advanced imaging to get a precise picture of your spinal health. Guesswork has no place in your recovery. By pinpointing the specific misalignment or issue, your care can be targeted directly at the source of the problem, rather than just temporarily masking the symptoms. This detailed approach is fundamental to how we welcome new patients and is the first step toward lasting relief.

How Your Unique Health Profile Plays a Role

Every person’s body responds to care differently, and your personal health history is a major factor in your recovery timeline. How long you’ve been experiencing symptoms, the severity of your sciatica, your overall physical condition, and even your daily lifestyle habits all contribute to your healing process. For some, relief comes after just a few visits, while for others with more chronic conditions, a longer-term care plan is necessary. It’s important to be patient with your body and communicate openly with your chiropractor about how you’re feeling. We have experience helping people with a wide range of health conditions, and we always create a plan that respects your body’s unique needs.

Why the Right Technique Matters

Not all chiropractic adjustments are the same. The specific technique used to address your sciatica is critical for achieving the best results. The goal is always to use a gentle, precise, and effective method to correct spinal misalignments and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. A "one-size-fits-all" approach simply doesn't work for complex issues like sciatica. At Lazar Spinal Care, we utilize specialized methods like Quantum Spinal Mechanics (QSM3), which focuses on restoring the body's balance with incredible precision. The right technique is gentle enough to be safe but specific enough to address the underlying cause of your pain, helping your body heal correctly.

Common Myths About Chiropractic Care for Sciatica

When you’re dealing with the shooting pain of sciatica, you’ll try almost anything for relief. But you might also feel hesitant about chiropractic care because of things you’ve heard. Let’s clear the air and look at some of the most common myths about treating sciatica with chiropractic adjustments.

Myth: Chiropractic Adjustments Are Unsafe

It’s completely understandable to worry about anything that involves your spine, especially when you’re already in pain. The idea of a spinal adjustment can sound intense, but the reality is quite different. When performed by a trained and licensed professional, chiropractic adjustments are overwhelmingly safe. The goal is always to gently restore alignment and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, not to cause more harm. At our clinic, we use precise and gentle methods that don't involve any forceful twisting or popping. Our focus is on making careful corrections to your alignment to help your body heal itself, ensuring your comfort and safety are the top priorities throughout your care.

Myth: All Chiropractic Treatments Are the Same

If you picture all chiropractors doing the exact same back-cracking adjustments, you’re not alone—but it’s a common misconception. The field of chiropractic care is incredibly diverse, with many different philosophies and techniques. Some chiropractors focus on general wellness, while others specialize in specific areas. Here at Lazar Spinal Care, our approach is centered on the upper cervical spine, the top of your neck, because a misalignment here can impact your entire body’s balance and nerve function. We use specialized methods like Quantum Spinal Mechanics (QSM3) to make precise, gentle corrections that address the root cause of issues like sciatica, rather than just temporarily masking the pain.

Myth: A "One-Size-Fits-All" Approach Works

Your sciatica pain is unique to you, so your treatment plan should be too. The idea that one standard adjustment works for everyone is simply not true. Effective chiropractic care is highly personalized and begins with a deep understanding of your specific situation. We use advanced diagnostic tools, including PostureIQ™ and Insight™ neurological scans, to get a clear picture of what’s causing your sciatic nerve irritation. This detailed analysis allows us to create a treatment plan tailored to your body and your needs. We believe that lasting relief comes from addressing the specific, underlying cause of your problem, which is why a customized approach is at the core of everything we do for our patients.

Is Chiropractic Care Right for Your Sciatica?

While chiropractic care is a powerful tool for managing sciatica, it’s smart to understand if it’s the right fit for you. The effectiveness of any treatment hinges on a precise diagnosis and a personalized plan. A one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work when it comes to spinal health. The goal is always to find a solution that addresses the root cause of your pain safely. A responsible chiropractor will always start with a thorough evaluation to determine if their care is the best path forward for your specific situation. This ensures that any treatment you receive is designed to help, not harm, and sets you on a clear path toward healing.

When Chiropractic Might Not Be the First Step

Chiropractic care is widely recognized as a safe and effective way to find relief from sciatica. However, if the treatment isn't tailored to your specific condition, it could potentially make things worse. That’s why a comprehensive initial assessment is so important. Before any adjustments are made, a skilled chiropractor will work to understand the exact source of your sciatic nerve irritation. For some people, this might mean co-managing their condition with other medical professionals. The first step is always a detailed conversation and examination, which you can learn more about on our new patients page, to confirm that chiropractic care is the appropriate and safest choice for you.

Underlying Conditions to Discuss with Your Doctor

Your health history is a critical piece of the puzzle. It’s essential to be open with your chiropractor about any pre-existing conditions, as this information guides your treatment plan. If your sciatica is caused by severe disc issues, spinal fractures, or other serious underlying problems, aggressive manipulation might not be the right approach. A knowledgeable practitioner will adapt their techniques to suit your body’s specific needs, ensuring your safety and comfort above all else. By understanding the full picture of your health, we can create a care plan that addresses the conditions you're facing in the most effective way possible.

Red Flags That Require Immediate Medical Attention

It’s also crucial to know when your symptoms point to a more urgent medical issue. While post-adjustment soreness can be normal, certain signs should never be ignored. If you experience a sudden inability to control your bowel or bladder function, significant or progressive weakness in your legs, or unrelenting, severe pain, these are red flags that require immediate medical attention. Don't wait to see if these symptoms improve on their own. Your safety is the top priority, and these signs indicate that you should head to an emergency room or urgent care facility right away for a full medical evaluation.

What to Expect from Safe and Effective Sciatica Treatment

Stepping into a chiropractor's office for the first time can feel a little uncertain, especially when you're already in pain. But knowing what a safe and effective treatment process looks like can help you feel confident and prepared. The right approach is always built on a foundation of thorough diagnostics, clear communication, and a deep understanding of your body’s healing process. It’s about creating a partnership focused on getting to the root of your sciatica and helping you find lasting relief.

Your First Visit: A Thorough Assessment

Your first visit is all about discovery. A great chiropractor won’t start adjusting without first understanding the complete picture of your health. Expect a detailed conversation about your medical history, your symptoms, and your wellness goals. This is followed by a comprehensive exam to pinpoint the exact cause of your sciatica. At our clinic, we use advanced diagnostic tools like PostureIQ™ and Insight™ neurological scans to get a precise look at your spinal alignment and nervous system function. This thorough assessment is crucial for creating a care plan that’s tailored specifically to you. You can learn more about what to expect by visiting our new patients page.

The Importance of Open Communication

Your treatment is a partnership, and you are the most important member of the team. Being open and honest with your chiropractor about all your symptoms, concerns, and even the small changes you notice is essential for your success. Don't hold back because you think something is minor or unrelated—every detail helps us understand your body's response to care. This ongoing conversation allows us to fine-tune your treatment plan as needed and ensures you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way. Your feedback is invaluable, helping us provide the most effective and personalized chiropractic solutions for your specific needs.

Knowing the Difference Between Healing and Hurting

It’s completely normal to feel some mild soreness or achiness for a day or two after a spinal adjustment, much like you would after a good workout. This typically means your body is adapting to a new, healthier alignment as muscles and ligaments adjust. However, this temporary discomfort is very different from sharp, severe, or lasting pain. True healing shouldn't hurt. If you ever experience pain that feels intense or doesn't fade after a couple of days, it's important to let your chiropractor know immediately. Understanding this distinction helps you stay confident in your body’s healing process while ensuring your care is always safe and on the right track.

What to Do If Your Sciatica Feels Worse After Treatment

It’s understandable to feel concerned if your sciatica pain seems to spike after a chiropractic visit. While your body adjusts to the changes, some temporary discomfort can be part of the process. However, it’s crucial to know the difference between normal healing sensations and signs that something isn’t right. Here’s a clear guide on what to do if you find yourself in this situation, so you can feel confident and in control of your recovery.

Your Immediate Action Plan

First, take a deep breath. It’s common to feel a bit sore or tender for a day or two after an adjustment, much like you would after a good workout. This is often a sign that your body is responding to the treatment. But if what you’re feeling is more than mild soreness—think sharp, shooting pain, new numbness, or a significant increase in your original symptoms—it’s time to act. Your immediate next step should be to contact your chiropractor. They need to know exactly what you’re experiencing so they can tailor your care, rule out any serious issues, and ensure your treatment plan is right for you.

When to Seek Emergency Care

While rare, there are times when worsening symptoms require immediate medical attention. Please don’t ignore red flags. If you experience severe, debilitating pain that makes it difficult to move, or a sudden increase in numbness or weakness in your leg or foot, it’s best to seek emergency care. Sharp, shooting pains that are worse than what you felt before treatment are also a signal to get checked out right away. Your health is the top priority, and a medical professional can help rule out any underlying issues that might need urgent intervention. Trust your instincts—if something feels seriously wrong, it’s always better to be safe.

How to Talk to Your Chiropractor About Your Concerns

Open and honest communication is the foundation of effective care. Your chiropractor is your partner in health, and they can only help you if they have the full picture. Be specific about what you’re feeling, where you’re feeling it, and when it started. Don’t hold back any symptoms or worries, no matter how small they seem. A great chiropractor will listen carefully to your feedback and use it to refine your treatment plan. At Lazar Spinal Care, we begin with a thorough assessment for all new patients for this very reason. Your experience guides our approach, and we’ll adjust our techniques to make sure you feel comfortable and confident in your path to recovery.

Beyond Adjustments: Advanced Therapies for Sciatica Relief

A comprehensive plan for sciatica relief often includes more than just spinal adjustments. We integrate advanced therapies that work with our chiropractic care to address the root cause of your pain. These technologies help reduce inflammation, speed up your body's natural healing, and create lasting stability. By combining precise adjustments with these supportive treatments, we offer a more complete path to recovery.

Healing Nerves with Laser Therapy

When the sciatic nerve is inflamed, calming it down is a top priority. That’s where our Laser Therapy comes in. This non-invasive treatment uses specific light wavelengths to penetrate tissues, helping reduce inflammation and swelling around the irritated nerve. Think of it as giving your body’s cells a gentle energy assist to kickstart the healing process. It’s a painless way to target the underlying nerve irritation directly, providing relief from that sharp, shooting pain without medication. This therapy helps create a better environment for your body to heal, making it a key part of our approach for many of the conditions we help.

Supporting Recovery with Tissue Regenerative Technology

Your body sometimes needs extra support to repair the damaged tissues contributing to sciatica. Our Tissue Regenerative Technology (TRT) provides exactly that. This therapy uses gentle pressure waves to stimulate your body's natural healing mechanisms at a cellular level. It increases blood flow, breaks down scar tissue, and encourages the regeneration of healthy tissue around the affected area. For sciatica, this means we can address the soft tissue problems that may be compressing the nerve. By accelerating your body's own repair crew, TRT helps you recover more efficiently and build a stronger foundation against future flare-ups.

Our Unique Quantum Spinal Mechanics (QSM3) Approach

At the heart of our practice is a precise and gentle method called Quantum Spinal Mechanics (QSM3). Unlike techniques that involve twisting or popping, QSM3 focuses on correcting your body's alignment from the top down. A small imbalance in your upper cervical spine can create a chain reaction of compensation throughout your body, eventually pressuring the sciatic nerve. By gently correcting this foundational misalignment, we restore your body's balance and posture. This approach doesn't just chase the pain; it addresses the structural issue that caused the problem, leading to more stable, long-term relief.

How to Find the Right Chiropractor for Your Sciatica

Finding the right chiropractor is a lot like finding any trusted partner for your health—it requires a little research and knowing what to look for. Not all chiropractic care is the same, and the provider you choose can make all the difference in your recovery from sciatica. You want someone who goes beyond just treating the pain and digs deeper to find the root cause of the problem. A great chiropractor will act as a detective for your health, using a combination of experience, advanced tools, and a listening ear to create a plan that’s tailored specifically to you.

Your goal is to find a professional who is not only qualified but also aligns with your health philosophy. Do they prioritize a thorough diagnosis before starting treatment? Are they transparent about their methods and what you can expect? Do they empower you with knowledge about your own body? Answering these questions will help you find a practitioner who can guide you toward lasting relief instead of just a temporary fix. Taking the time to find the right fit ensures you feel confident and comfortable with your care, which is a huge part of the healing process itself.

Look for These Qualifications and Certifications

First things first, make sure any chiropractor you consider is licensed to practice in Michigan. This is the baseline for safe, professional care. Beyond that, look for experience specifically with sciatica. Don't be shy about asking how they approach sciatic nerve pain and what success they've seen. A great way to gauge this is by reading through patient reviews and testimonials. Hearing from others who were in your shoes can provide incredible insight. Also, consider if they have any specialized certifications, such as in upper cervical techniques, which offer a precise and gentle approach to correcting spinal misalignments that can cause sciatica.

Ask About Their Diagnostic Technology

A chiropractor’s ability to help you depends on the quality of their diagnosis. A provider who relies on guesswork is a gamble you don’t want to take. Ask potential chiropractors about the diagnostic tools they use. Do they perform a comprehensive physical exam? Do they use technology like digital postural analysis or neurological scans to get a clear picture of your nerve function? A thorough initial assessment should be the standard. This detailed approach ensures that the treatment plan is based on objective data about your body, not just a hunch. It’s the difference between targeting the source of the problem and just chasing symptoms.

Red Flags to Watch for in a Provider

Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Be wary of any provider who pressures you into a long-term, expensive treatment plan on your very first visit without a clear diagnosis. A major red flag is a lack of a thorough initial examination. Your chiropractor should be an attentive partner who listens to your concerns and encourages open communication. If they dismiss your pain, don't explain their process clearly, or seem annoyed by your questions, it's best to walk away. A good provider will make you feel heard and respected every step of the way. Your comfort and trust are essential for a successful healing journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take for my sciatica to feel better? There isn't a single timeline for sciatica relief because every person’s situation is unique. Your recovery depends on several factors, including how long you’ve had the symptoms, the specific cause of the nerve pressure, and your overall health. Some people feel a significant difference after just a few visits, while others with more long-standing issues may need a more extended care plan. Our first step is always a thorough diagnosis to understand the root of your problem, which helps us give you a more realistic expectation for your healing journey.

Will the chiropractic adjustment for my sciatica hurt? This is a very common concern, and the short answer is no, it shouldn't hurt. Our approach, particularly the QSM3 technique, is incredibly gentle and precise. We don't use any of the forceful twisting or popping that you might associate with chiropractic care. The goal is to make a careful correction to your alignment to take pressure off the nerve, not to cause more discomfort. You might feel some mild muscle soreness afterward, similar to how you'd feel after a good stretch, but the adjustment itself is designed to be comfortable.

Why would you adjust my neck if my sciatica pain is in my lower back and leg? It seems counterintuitive, but the alignment at the very top of your spine sets the foundation for your entire posture. If the top vertebra in your neck is even slightly out of place, your body will compensate all the way down your spine to keep your head level. This can cause an imbalance in your hips and lower back, which is often the true source of the pressure on your sciatic nerve. By correcting that initial misalignment in the neck, we can restore balance to your entire body and address the root cause of the problem, not just the area where you feel pain.

Once I start feeling better, do I have to continue chiropractic care forever? Our primary goal is to get you out of pain and back to your life by correcting the underlying cause of your sciatica. Once we’ve stabilized your condition and your symptoms have resolved, the choice is yours. Many of our patients choose to continue with periodic wellness check-ups to maintain their alignment and prevent future problems, much like you’d see a dentist for regular cleanings. However, this is always your decision, and we will support you in whatever path you choose for your long-term health.

What if I've already tried chiropractic care for my sciatica and it didn't work? That's a frustrating experience, and it’s one we hear about from new patients. Not all chiropractic care is the same. The effectiveness of treatment often comes down to the precision of the diagnosis and the specificity of the technique. Our approach is different because we start with advanced diagnostics to pinpoint the exact cause of your nerve irritation. We also specialize in upper cervical care, which addresses foundational imbalances that are often missed. If your previous care didn't include this level of detailed analysis or a focus on the entire body's alignment, you may find that our approach offers a new path to relief.

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