Sciatica Treatment in Mukilteo, WA
Sciatica can turn simple activities like sitting, standing, or walking into a painful struggle. The sharp, shooting pain that travels from your lower back into your leg is a sign that the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed. At Sound Family & Sports Chiropractic, we offer non-surgical, drug-free care to relieve sciatic nerve pain and address what is causing it.
What Is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, running from the lower back through the buttocks and down the back of each leg. Sciatica is a type of lumbar radiculopathy that occurs when this nerve or its roots become compressed or inflamed. Symptoms usually affect one side of the body.
Common Symptoms of Sciatica
- Pain that radiates from the lower back or buttock down the leg
- Sharp, burning, or electric-shock sensations
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Leg or foot weakness
- Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, coughing, or sneezing
- Difficulty standing up or walking
What Causes Sciatica?
- Herniated or bulging lumbar discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal misalignment and restricted joint motion
- Piriformis syndrome, where a tight buttock muscle irritates the nerve
- Spinal stenosis and bone spurs
- Pregnancy-related changes in the pelvis
- Injuries from auto accidents, lifting at work, or sports
- Prolonged sitting and poor posture
How Chiropractic Care Relieves Sciatica
After a thorough exam to find the source of nerve irritation, Dr. Monte Alton creates a plan that may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments to restore motion in the lower back and pelvis
- Non-surgical spinal decompression to relieve disc pressure on the nerve
- Soft tissue mobilization for tight piriformis, hip, and low back muscles
- Ice, heat, and electric stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation
- Stretches, core strengthening, and posture correction
Because sciatica often begins with lower back pain, treating the spine is key to lasting relief.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Get emergency care for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or sudden, severe leg weakness.
Find Relief From Sciatica
Call Sound Family & Sports Chiropractic at (425) 267-0787 to schedule your sciatica evaluation, or explore other conditions we treat.
Sciatica FAQs
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the buttocks and down each leg.
Can a chiropractor help sciatica?
Yes. Chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, and soft tissue therapy can relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and reduce pain.
What causes sciatica?
Common causes include herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal misalignment, piriformis syndrome, spinal stenosis, pregnancy, injuries, and prolonged sitting.
How long does sciatica last?
Many cases improve within several weeks with proper care, while chronic or disc-related sciatica may take longer to resolve.
Can spinal decompression help sciatica?
Yes. Non-surgical spinal decompression reduces pressure on lumbar discs that may be pressing on the sciatic nerve.
Is chiropractic care safe for sciatica during pregnancy?
Yes. Adjustments are modified for comfort and safety, and many pregnant patients find relief from sciatic pain with chiropractic care.
How do I schedule sciatica treatment?
Call Sound Family & Sports Chiropractic at (425) 267-0787 or request an appointment online.