Can the body recover from sciatica?

Answer 1

Physical therapy can usually improve sciatic nerve pain. Although there are cases where PT is not beneficial due to the anatomical structures that may be compressing the sciatic nerve which PT may not be able to influence IE bone spurs, severly herniated discs, and spinal stenosis. Your doctor will usually send you to PT first to try to improve your pain before any other drastic procedures are sought out.

Answer 2

Yes, a chiropractor can often be a good choice of treatment for sciatica.

A recent systematic review of the medical literature found moderate-quality evidence that chiropractic adjustments can help (see reference 1 below).

Another recent study found that 60% of people who were thought to need surgery for chronic sciatica benefited equally as well from chiropractic care as they would have from surgery (see reference 2 below).

References:

1) Leininger B, Bronfort G, Evans R, Reiter T. Spinal manipulation or mobilization for radiculopathy: a systematic review. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2011 Feb;22(1):105-25.

2) McMorland G, Suter E, Casha S, du Plessis SJ, Hurlbert RJ. 2010. Manipulation or Microdiskectomy for Sciatica? A Prospective Randomized Clinical Study. J Manip Phys Ther. Volume 33, Issue 8, Pages 576-584.

Answer 3

Yes, of course. Sciatica refers to pain from an inflamed sciatic nerve, sometimes caused by a herniated disc-- the pain generally radiates from the lower back through the hips and down one leg, making walking and certain other types of motion extremely painful. But while sciatica causes considerable discomfort, it is treatable, and it usually does go away in about six weeks.

There are several ways to treat the pain. Many people first go to a medical doctor, who will prescribe various kinds of pain medicine. Sometimes, physical therapy is also recommended. And seeing a chiropractor can be a viable way to address sciatica: there are documented cases where chiropractic care was extremely helpful in alleviating the pain and improving the condition. So, if you are suffering, the good news is that the condition will heal and you will eventually feel good again.