Sciatica Treatment in Olympia, WA
Shooting pain down your leg? Numbness, tingling, or weakness? Sciatica can be debilitating — but it's often very responsive to chiropractic care when we address the underlying cause.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in your body, running from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. When this nerve is compressed or irritated, it can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness anywhere along its path.
Common causes include:
- Herniated or bulging disc pressing on the nerve root
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Piriformis syndrome (muscle in the buttock compressing the nerve)
- Degenerative disc disease
- SI joint dysfunction
The good news: chiropractic care can address many of these causes without drugs or surgery.
Common Sciatica Symptoms
Sciatica can present differently depending on which nerve root is affected.
Radiating Pain
Sharp or burning pain from lower back through buttock and down leg
Numbness/Tingling
"Pins and needles" sensation in leg or foot
Weakness
Difficulty lifting foot or leg, foot drop
Worsening Pain
Pain that increases with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
How We Treat Sciatica
Our approach focuses on reducing nerve irritation and addressing the structural cause of compression.
Spinal Adjustments
Restore proper alignment to reduce disc and joint pressure on the nerve.
Flexion-Distraction
Gentle technique to decompress discs and open space for the nerve.
Piriformis Release
If muscle tension is compressing the nerve, targeted soft tissue work helps.
Home Exercises
Stretches and nerve glides to maintain improvement between visits.
When to See Us
Don't wait until sciatica becomes chronic. Seek care if you have:
- Pain lasting more than a few days
- Numbness or weakness in leg/foot
- Pain severe enough to limit activities
- Difficulty sitting or standing
Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica Treatment
Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?
Yes, chiropractic care is often very effective for sciatica. By addressing spinal misalignments, disc issues, and muscle tension that compress or irritate the sciatic nerve, we can reduce symptoms and help the body heal. Many patients experience significant relief within a few weeks of starting treatment.
How long does it take for sciatica to go away with chiropractic?
Recovery time varies depending on the cause and severity. Mild sciatica from muscle tension may improve within 1-2 weeks. Disc-related sciatica typically takes 4-8 weeks of consistent care. Dr. Vince will give you a realistic timeline after examining you and identifying the underlying cause.
Is it better to see a chiropractor or doctor for sciatica?
A chiropractor is an excellent first choice for most sciatica cases because we can diagnose the cause and provide non-invasive treatment. However, if you have severe symptoms like loss of bladder or bowel control, progressive weakness, or sciatica following a major injury, see a medical doctor immediately. We can refer you if we identify something that requires medical intervention.
What aggravates sciatica the most?
Prolonged sitting is often the biggest aggravator, especially on soft surfaces. Other triggers include bending forward, lifting heavy objects, sleeping in certain positions, and staying in one position too long. During treatment, we'll identify your specific triggers and give you strategies to minimize flare-ups.
Get Relief from Sciatica
Schedule your consultation. We'll identify the cause and create a treatment plan.