Spinal Works provides focused chiropractic care for sciatica at our Townsville clinic. Whether you're dealing with a sharp pain that runs down your leg, a dull ache in the lower back, or ongoing discomfort that makes walking or sitting uncomfortable, we can help. Chiropractic treatment is effective for reducing sciatica pain and restoring proper movement. 

Sciatica is a nerve condition that affects approximately 5-10% of Australians, more frequently experienced by those with lower back pain. When the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated, it causes sharp pain that radiates from the lower back down the hip and leg. Sciatic pain is commonly triggered by walking, bending movements, or prolonged sitting.

Spinal Works chiropractors use evidence-based techniques such as the Gonstead technique to treat sciatica and sciatica symptoms. We conduct an initial physical assessment to identify the root cause of sciatica pain and apply precise, gentle adjustments to the spine and surrounding tissue to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica pain varies in intensity and location based on the sciatic nerve's position, the surrounding tissue condition, and other back injuries. In most cases, sciatica pain is limited to one side of the lower body. Chiropractic care can help to address the symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, including:

  • A burning or shooting pain that runs from the lower back down one leg
  • Numbness or weakness in the leg or foot
  • Pin-and-needles sensation in the buttock or back of the thigh
  • Pain that worsens after sitting or standing for long periods
  • Sharp pain triggered by twisting or bending movements in the lower back

Sciatica pain is caused by injuries that place pressure on the sciatic nerve. Injuries from sports activities, poor posture, pregnancy, as well as back issues like a spinal misalignment or slipped disc, can result in sciatica pain. Chiropractic treatment for sciatica will identify the cause of the pain and address it for long-lasting relief.

We will begin with an overview of your symptoms and known injuries, followed by a physical assessment of the lower back, hips, and legs to determine cause and extent of sciatica pain. If you do not have a formal diagnosis of sciatica, we may also refer you for X-ray, MRI or CT imaging to better understand the condition and alignment of your spine.

Using what we learn from your physical assessment, we tailor a care plan to address your sciatic pain. Every spinal injury is different, and treatment will depend on how your sciatic nerve is being affected.

At Spinal Works, our sciatica chiropractors specialise in the Gonstead method for manual spinal adjustments. Depending on the condition of the sciatic nerve, we apply targeted techniques to correct the alignment of the lower spine and hip to relieve immediate nerve pain and restore a fuller range of motions in the hip and lower back areas.

Ongoing sciatica treatment will also involve postural corrections, strengthening exercises that you can do at home, as well as advice for pain management and recovery. Many of our patients find effective and lasting relief from sciatica pain with continued chiropractic treatment.