Can Chiropractic Care Help With Sciatica? What You Need to Know

Sciatica can be frustrating, painful, and even life-altering. The good news? Chiropractic care offers a safe, non-invasive approach to helping relieve sciatic nerve pain. In this post, we’ll break down what sciatica really is, what causes it, how to tell it apart from similar conditions, and what you can do to start feeling better—today.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg. It usually affects only one side of the body and is often caused by nerve compression in the lower spine.

What Causes Sciatica?

The most common cause is a herniated disc—a condition where the soft inner part of a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in the tougher outer layer.

What Is a Disc Herniation?

Between each of your spinal bones (vertebrae) is a disc that acts like a cushion. When one of these discs bulges or leaks, it can press on a nearby nerve root, especially in the lower back (lumbar spine). This is called nerve root compression, and it’s one of the main triggers of sciatic pain.

Two Conditions That Can Mimic Sciatica

Sometimes, other conditions can feel like sciatica. Here are two of the most common:

1. Piriformis Syndrome

• Cause: Tightness or spasms in the piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttock.

• Key Difference: Pain often starts in the buttock instead of the lower back and may worsen with sitting or climbing stairs.

  
  

2. Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction

• Cause: Inflammation or limited movement in the joint that connects your pelvis to your spine.

• Key Difference: Pain is usually more localized to one side of the low back or upper buttock, not down the entire leg.

  
  

A chiropractor can perform orthopedic and neurological tests to help determine the true cause of your pain.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractors are trained to identify spinal misalignments, joint restrictions, and nerve irritation. For sciatica, we focus on:

• Restoring proper motion to the lumbar spine

• Reducing inflammation and muscle tension

• Relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve

  
  

Research supports spinal manipulation as an effective option for treating sciatica, especially when combined with personalized exercise programs.¹

At-Home Exercises for Sciatica Relief

Consistency is key. Below are two simple exercises and one stretch that can help reduce sciatic pain and support recovery. These movements are gentle and safe when performed correctly.

✅ 1. Standing Pelvic Tucks

• Stand with your back against a wall, feet about hip-width apart.

• Gently tilt your pelvis so your lower back flattens slightly against the wall.

• Hold for 5 seconds, then relax.

• Repeat 10–15 times, 1–2 times per day.

  
  

✅ 2. Prone Press-Ups (Lumbar Extension)

• Lie face down with hands under your shoulders, like a push-up position.

• Gently press up your upper body while keeping hips and legs on the floor.

• Only go as far as is comfortable. Hold for 3–5 seconds.

• Repeat 10 times, up to twice per day.

  
  

✅ 3. Seated Sciatic Nerve Floss

• Sit on a chair with good posture.

• Extend one leg straight and flex your foot (toes up) while looking up slightly.

• Return to starting position and repeat for the other leg.

• Repeat 10 reps per leg, 1–2 times daily.

  
  

These exercises are designed to improve spinal movement, reduce nerve irritation, and promote healing—but they should be done under guidance if you have significant pain or worsening symptoms.

Take the Next Step Toward Relief

If you're dealing with sciatic pain, you're not alone—and you don't have to suffer through it. Chiropractic care offers a personalized, hands-on approach to getting to the root of the problem.

Schedule an appointment today to find out if chiropractic care is right for your sciatica. Let’s get you moving again—comfortably and confidently.