Sciatica Treatment in Portland & Hood River

What is sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It forms from nerve roots in the lower spine, passes through the buttock and runs down the back of the leg to the foot. "Sciatica" describes symptoms caused when one of those roots, or the nerve itself, is compressed or irritated.

Because sciatica is a symptom, two people with the same leg pain can need very different care. The first job is to work out where along its path the nerve is being irritated and why.

Common symptoms of sciatica

• Pain that radiates from the low back or buttock down the back or side of one leg
• Burning, sharp or electric-shock-like leg pain
• Numbness or tingling in the leg, foot or toes
• Leg pain that is often worse than the back pain
• Weakness in the leg or foot
• Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing or sneezing

What causes sciatica?

The most common cause is a herniated or bulging lumbar disc pressing on a nerve root. Other causes include spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spaces the nerves travel through), degenerative disc changes, spondylolisthesis, and irritation of the nerve as it passes near the piriformis muscle in the buttock.

• Herniated or bulging disc
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Piriformis-related irritation
• Pregnancy-related posture and pelvic changes

How long does sciatica last?

Many sciatica episodes improve significantly within several weeks. Some people have symptoms for months or have recurring flare-ups, especially when the underlying disc or joint problem isn't addressed. Worsening weakness or numbness should be evaluated promptly rather than waited out.

Sciatica during pregnancy

Sciatic-type pain is common during pregnancy as posture, weight distribution and pelvic ligaments change. Gentle prenatal chiropractic care with pregnancy-safe positioning is available at both of our clinics. Spinal decompression is not used during pregnancy. See our pregnancy chiropractic page for more.

When should you see a doctor right away?

Most sciatica is not an emergency, but some symptoms need immediate medical care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room — rather than booking a chiropractic visit — if you have any of the following:

• New loss of bladder or bowel control, or inability to urinate
• Numbness in the groin, genitals or inner thighs ("saddle" numbness)
• Leg or arm weakness that is getting worse, or foot drop
• Back pain with fever, chills or a history of IV drug use or recent infection
• Pain after a significant fall, car crash or other trauma
• Back pain with unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer

How chiropractic care may help sciatica

Your doctor first identifies the likely source of the sciatica through a detailed history and exam, including nerve tension, reflex, strength and sensation tests. Care then targets that source: gentle chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal and pelvic motion, positioning and nerve-friendly exercises, and StemWave for tight muscles such as the piriformis.

When sciatica is disc-related, Dr. Craig may add DRX9000 spinal decompression at our Portland clinic. Hood River patients receive chiropractic care with Dr. Alvis and can be referred to Portland for decompression when appropriate.

Services used for sciatica:

• Spinal Decompression (Portland)
• Chiropractic Adjustments
• StemWave

Is spinal decompression right for sciatica?

Decompression may be a fit for sciatica caused by a herniated or bulging disc or degenerative disc changes, particularly when leg pain has persisted for weeks. It is less likely to be appropriate when sciatica comes from piriformis irritation alone, and it is not used during pregnancy.

Decompression is generally not appropriate during pregnancy, after spinal fusion or with surgical hardware in the treatment area, or with spinal fracture, tumor, severe osteoporosis, advanced infection or an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Candidacy is always decided at an exam.

Portland only: DRX9000 spinal decompression is performed by Dr. Jerome Craig, D.C., LMT at 2916 NE Broadway, Suite B. Hood River patients can be evaluated by Dr. Alvis and referred when appropriate. Learn about spinal decompression →

What to expect at ALVIS

Care for sciatica at ALVIS Chiropractic follows three simple steps, starting with a free consultation. Nothing is decided until the doctor has heard your story and examined you, and there's no obligation to begin care.

1. 1Free consultation: tell the doctor about your sciatica — when it started, what makes it better or worse, and your goals.
2. 2Exam: a hands-on chiropractic exam, with X-rays or other imaging reviewed or referred if needed, to identify the likely source and rule out red flags.
3. 3Personalized plan: the doctor explains the findings and recommends a plan, which may include chiropractic care, StemWave, home exercises or — in Portland — spinal decompression, or a referral if another provider is a better fit.

At-home tips while you heal

These general tips are safe for most people. Stop anything that clearly worsens your symptoms and ask your doctor what's right for you.

• Keep walking in short, comfortable bouts; prolonged sitting often aggravates sciatica.
• Avoid stretches that sharply increase leg pain; gentle movement is better than forcing it.
• Sit with your lower back supported and feet flat; avoid a wallet in your back pocket.
• Track whether leg symptoms are spreading or shrinking and report changes to your doctor.