Sciatica Treatment in Bensalem, PA
Sciatica is a term people often use for pain that travels from the low back or buttock into the leg. You might describe it as a “pinched nerve,” a shooting pain, burning, tingling, or numbness rather than simply back pain. Because sciatica can have several different underlying causes, an evaluation is an important first step before deciding what type of care makes sense for you.
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica happens when there’s pressure on or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. A herniated or bulging disc is one of the most common causes. Other contributing factors can include narrowing of the space around the spinal nerves, changes in the joints of the lower spine, or general wear and irritation associated with movement. (Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine)
Not everyone with leg pain has the same underlying problem. Where your pain is located, how it started, what movements make it better or worse, and whether you have numbness, tingling, or weakness all help determine whether conservative chiropractic care is a good fit for you.
What does sciatica feel like?
Sciatica can cause pain that travels from the lower back or buttock into the thigh, calf, or foot. Some people describe it as sharp, electric, or burning; others notice tingling, numbness, or weakness in part of the leg or foot. It’s usually more noticeable on one side of the body, though pain in both legs is a symptom that needs particular attention (more on that below).
During your visit, I’ll ask about your symptoms and how they respond to sitting, standing, walking, and bending. I’ll also look for anything that suggests you should be evaluated by another healthcare provider before starting chiropractic care.
How chiropractic care can help
When your symptoms are a good fit for conservative chiropractic care, treatment focuses on restoring normal movement in the spine and supporting the body’s own ability to heal. This typically involves a combination of hands-on techniques tailored to your specific presentation, along with guidance on activity and movement at home.
Chiropractic and spinal manipulation have been studied for low-back pain, with research supporting real improvements in pain and function. Because sciatica can stem from several different underlying causes, care works best when it’s built around a proper evaluation rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. (Source: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NIH) My goal in every case is to build a plan around your specific symptoms and how you respond to care, not to apply the same approach to every patient who walks through the door.
If your sciatica is related to a low-back issue, it’s also worth reading more about how I approach back pain, since the two conditions often overlap.
What happens at your first visit?
Your first visit starts with a conversation about your symptoms, your health history, and what you’ve been experiencing day to day. I’ll want to understand where the pain travels, whether you have numbness or tingling, what makes it better or worse, and whether you’ve noticed any weakness.
From there, an examination helps determine whether your symptoms are a good fit for conservative chiropractic care, or whether anything suggests you should be seen by a physician first. If chiropractic care looks appropriate, we’ll talk through what that looks like for your specific situation.
When should you see a physician for sciatica?
Most sciatica can be safely evaluated by a chiropractor, but a few symptoms call for prompt medical attention rather than routine chiropractic care. Seek immediate medical evaluation if you experience any of the following:
- New difficulty starting or controlling urination, or loss of bladder control
- Loss of bowel control
- Numbness around the groin, inner thighs, or genital area
- Severe or rapidly worsening weakness or numbness affecting both legs
These can be signs of a more serious nerve compression that requires prompt evaluation. (Source: Cedars-Sinai) If your symptoms don’t fit a straightforward pattern, I’ll always recommend you see your physician or another appropriate provider rather than proceeding with chiropractic treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
For many people, yes, when the underlying cause is appropriate for conservative care. An evaluation is the best way to know whether chiropractic treatment is a good fit for your specific symptoms.
It varies widely depending on the cause and how early it's addressed. Some cases improve within a few weeks; others take longer. This is something we can discuss in more detail once I understand your specific presentation.
For most people, yes. That said, not every case of sciatica is appropriate for chiropractic care, which is why a thorough evaluation always comes first.
Not always. Imaging is sometimes helpful, but many cases of sciatica can be evaluated through a physical exam and health history alone. I'll let you know if imaging seems appropriate for your situation.
Get evaluated for your sciatica symptoms
If you’re in Bensalem or the surrounding Bucks County area, including Feasterville, Levittown, Bristol, or Southampton, and you’re dealing with sciatica symptoms, the first step is a proper evaluation. Contact the office to schedule a visit and find out whether chiropractic care is a good fit for you.
Calls answered: Weekdays 9am–7pm · Weekends 11am–3pm
If you reach voicemail, I return every call within one business day.