What is sciatica ?
What is Sciatica
Sciatica originates in our lower back in the middle of the lumbar spine (lower back)
It can give localised pain AND/OR pain and pins and needles to the buttocks and lower leg.
Most of the pain is one-sided and patients often say the affected leg feels heavy.
Most people are 30+ YEARS OLD
1 in 20 people will get sciatica this year
With nearly 1 in 2, people will get sciatica in their lifetime
Occupations that have been shown to increase the chance of sciatica
- Machine operators
- Truck Drivers
- Jobs with awkward positions.
What are treatment options for Sciatica ?
How our Chiropractic team can help you with your sciatica
At Health Wise Chiropractic, expect the following for the treatment of your sciatica.
An initial assessment- We look at your posture with our posture scan technology, check the spine and the joints, and see if the muscles are tight or weak.
Then we adjust the fixated joints in the body and fix the tight muscles with our trigger point therapy and massage techniques.
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Often, when it comes to treating sciatica, we see the following conditions in our patients
- Hip Pain
FAQS about Sciatica and Chiropractic care
1. Can a chiropractor help sciatica? Chiropractic care may help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and improve mobility.
The Sciatic nerve exits the lumbar spine ( low back ) and goes down through the hip and continues down the leg , your chiropractor is trained to assess where the nerve dysfunction may be and can then treat it
2. What is sciatica? Sciatica is pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, often from the lower back down the leg.
3. What causes sciatica? Common causes include disc issues, spinal misalignment, and muscle tightness.
4. How long does sciatica last? It varies, but early care may help reduce duration and severity. 5. What is the fastest way to relieve sciatica? A combination of movement, targeted care, and avoiding aggravating activities is often helpful.
Who Gets Affected By sciatica?
Who it affectes
Officer Workers
People who sit longer than 6 hours a Day
Uber Drivers
Desk Workers
What types of industry and jobs get affected?
Accountants
Long Haul Drivers
Developers
What movements worsen the condition?
Sitting for more than 6 hours
Sit Cross Legged
Standing on hard surfaces
Shoes without shock absorption
Uneven Hips
Low Back Misalignments
Latest Research Facts and Statistics - Sciatica
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The Scope of Spinal Disability: Sciatica is often a symptom of underlying lower back issues, and low back pain is currently the #1 cause of disability globally.
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The Role of the Brain in Sciatica: For many dealing with sciatic-like symptoms, the issue isn't just a "pinched nerve" in the back; it involves how the brain processes movement. Clinicians often see altered posture and coordination of core muscles in those with persistent leg and back pain.
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Recurrence Rates: Sciatic symptoms often fall into the category of "recurring" spinal pain. Modern research highlights that spinal pain is frequently a lifelong, recurring condition rather than a one-off event, making long-term management critical.
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Impact on Young Adults: Chronic pain, which can include nerve-related symptoms like sciatica, is nearly 5 times higher in young adults who have experienced high levels of life stress or trauma compared to the general population.
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Non-Structural Causes: As many as 85% of chronic cases involving back and nerve pain have no clear structural cause on standard scans, suggesting that movement therapy and functional adjustments are often more effective than looking for a "mechanical" fix.
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The Value of IASTM: For nerve-related pain, tools like Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM) can help by releasing fascial tension that may be contributing to nerve entrapment or irritation along the sciatic pathway.
