Sciatica Treatment in Lynnwood, WA
At Alderwood Back and Neck Pain in Lynnwood, WA, non-invasive, medication-free care is available for people dealing with sharp, burning, or nagging pain that travels down the leg. Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness from the lower back to the foot.
Chiropractic treatment can help reduce nerve irritation, improve motion in the spine and hips, and support long-term comfort and mobility. Care plans are tailored to your specific symptoms and needs.
Chiropractic care focuses on helping the spine, joints, muscles, and nervous system work together more effectively. Gentle, precise techniques and clear communication ensure you always understand what is happening and why.
Call (425) 775-6767 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
What is Sciatica Nerve
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in your body. It starts in the lower back, travels through the hips and buttock region, then runs down the back of the leg toward the foot.
“Sciatica” is not one single diagnosis. It is a way to describe symptoms that happen when that nerve is irritated or compressed somewhere along its path. That irritation can come from a disc, a tight muscle, a joint, or a combo of things.
So when you say you have sciatica, what you are really saying is “something is bothering my sciatic nerve.” The job of your chiropractor is to figure out what that “something” is and how to calm it down in a safe, conservative way.
Sciatica Nerve Leg Pain
Sciatica nerve leg pain often feels like your back and leg are ganging up on you. Some people describe it as a deep ache in the buttock, others feel a sharp, shooting pain that runs down the back of the thigh or into the calf or foot. You might notice tingling, numbness, or a weird “electric” sensation in one leg, especially when you sit too long, bend, or get out of the car.
Daily life can get rough fast. Long drives, standing in line, lifting kids, or even trying to sleep can flare things up. Because sciatica is nerve irritation, it is smarter to get it evaluated early instead of waiting for it to “go away on its own” over and over.
What Symptoms of Sciatica Do You See?
Common sciatica-related symptoms we see at Alderwood Back and Neck Pain include:
- Shooting or burning pain from the lower back into the buttock, leg, or foot
- Numbness or tingling that follows a line down the leg
- A feeling of weakness or heaviness in one leg
- Pain that gets worse with sitting, long drives, or getting up from a chair
- Discomfort with bending forward or lifting
- Electric shock-like jolts with certain movements
- Trouble finding a comfortable sleeping position
- Pain that makes it hard to walk, stand, or do normal daily activities
If any of this sounds familiar, especially if it is happening on one side, it is worth getting your sciatic nerve checked.
What Are the Root Causes of Sciatica Pain?
Sciatica is usually not random. There is almost always a structural or mechanical reason your sciatic nerve is irritated. Based on Dr. Szigety’s approach and general chiropractic knowledge, common root causes include:
- Herniated or bulging disc that presses on part of the nerve
- Disc irritation or “bursting disc” type problems in the lower back
- Tight hip and buttock muscles, especially the glute or piriformis area, that compress the nerve as it passes through the pelvis
- Joint dysfunction or misalignment in the lumbar spine or sacroiliac joints
- Postural strain or long periods of sitting, especially with poor core engagement
- Degenerative disc or joint changes that narrow the space for the nerve over time
- Previous injuries that never fully healed and changed how you move
Sometimes there is one clear driver. Sometimes it is a mix of discs, joints, and muscles. That is why a proper exam matters before jumping to “quick fixes.”
What Treatments Do You Provide for Sciatica?
As a chiropractor for sciatica in Lynnwood, WA, Dr. Darcy Szigety uses a mix of chiropractic adjustments and supportive therapies to create non-surgical, medication-free care for sciatic nerve pain relief. Treatment is always based on your exam findings, imaging, and comfort level.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Dr. Szigety primarily uses the Diversified technique to gently adjust the lower back and pelvis and improve joint motion. In some cases she uses instrument-assisted tools like an Activator-style device or ArthroStim-type adjuster for lighter, precise corrections, especially if you prefer a gentler style. These adjustments aim to:
- Reduce abnormal pressure on the sciatic nerve
- Improve how the lumbar joints and hips move
- Decrease irritation in nearby muscles and ligaments
Soft Tissue Therapy
Because tight glute and hip muscles can squeeze the sciatic nerve, Dr. Szigety often adds:
- Massage-style soft tissue therapy
- Myofascial release
- Trigger point work in the low back, hips, and legs
This helps calm muscle spasm, improves circulation, and supports the changes from the adjustments.
Therapeutic Exercise and Stretching
Once pain starts to settle, specific exercises help protect your progress. This can include:
- Gentle stretches for the hips, hamstrings, and piriformis
- Core and hip strengthening to support the lower back
- Nerve-friendly movements chosen to avoid extra irritation
Dr. Szigety also talks through posture and lifestyle habits, like sitting positions, lifting mechanics, and break routines, so you are not constantly recreating the same problem day after day.
Pain-Relief Modalities
Depending on your case, your plan may also use:
- Cold therapy to calm short-term inflammation
- Gentle heat therapy for tight muscles
- Cryotherapy and other heat-cold options the clinic provides
These are not stand-alone fixes, but they can make you more comfortable while the underlying mechanics are being addressed.
Long-Term Consequences of Untreated Sciatica
Ignoring sciatica can seem tempting when it comes and goes, but long-term nerve irritation is not something to shrug off. Over time, untreated sciatica may lead to:
- More frequent or intense flare-ups that last longer each time
- Ongoing irritation that can affect strength, reflexes, or sensation in the leg
- Compensation patterns in the hips, knees, and upper back that cause new pain issues
- Trouble doing normal things like working, driving, exercising, or playing with kids
- Reduced confidence in movement because you are always worried about “setting it off”
Getting early, conservative help can often keep a manageable problem from turning into something that controls your schedule and your mood. The goal is to protect both your nerve health and your long-term mobility.
Book An Appointment
Please use the booking tool below to book an appointment or by calling us on (425) 775-6767
FAQs - Sciatica
Can a chiropractor help with sciatica pain?
Yes. Chiropractic care aims to improve joint motion in the lower back and pelvis and reduce irritation around the sciatic nerve. Adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and rehab exercises work together to calm symptoms and support better long-term function for many patients. Every case is different, so Dr. Szigety will always start with a full evaluation first.
How long will recovery take?
Recovery depends on the cause, severity, and how long you have had symptoms. Some people notice early changes within a few visits, like easier walking or less leg pain, while deeper improvement takes more time, especially when discs or multiple levels are involved. Dr. Szigety will outline realistic timelines based on your exam and imaging, not guesswork.
Is ultrasound or cryotherapy helpful for sciatica?
Modalities like cryotherapy, cold therapy, heat, or similar tools can help calm inflammation and muscle tension in the short term. At Alderwood Back and Neck Pain, these options are used to support the main work of adjustments, soft tissue care, and exercise, not replace them. Your chiropractor will recommend what fits your specific case.
Which home strategies can I try now?
Short, gentle walks, posture breaks during sitting, and simple stretches as advised by your chiropractor can help. Try to avoid very long periods of sitting, especially in deep couches or low chairs. In early flare-ups, cold packs can be useful, followed later by gentle heat for tight muscles if appropriate. Always stop any home exercise that makes symptoms significantly worse.
When should I seek chiropractic care for sciatica?
You should get checked if leg pain, numbness, or tingling lasts more than a few days, keeps coming back, or interferes with walking, sleep, or work. Sudden major weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or severe unrelenting pain needs urgent medical attention. For most non-emergency cases, a timely chiropractic evaluation helps you understand what is going on and what your options are.
Content Reviewed by
