Chiropractic Care for Sciatica in Charleston, SC

Sciatica is a painful and often debilitating condition that affects many individuals in Charleston, SC. It occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated—leading to sharp, burning, or radiating pain that travels from the lower back down the leg.

Some people experience numbness, tingling, or weakness, while others struggle with simple movements such as sitting, standing, or walking.

At Axis Chiropractic, we take a corrective, structural approach to Chiropractic Care for Sciatica, focusing on identifying the underlying mechanical issues in the lower back and pelvis that contribute to sciatic nerve irritation.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is rarely caused by the nerve itself. It typically develops when the structures surrounding the sciatic nerve, such as spinal discs, vertebrae, and supporting muscles—are under abnormal stress. Common causes include:

• Lumbar disc bulges or herniation.

• Loss of normal lumbar curvature.

• Pelvic misalignment affecting nerve pathways.

• Joint fixation or restricted lumbar mobility.

• Muscle imbalance around the lower back and hips.

• Prolonged sitting or poor ergonomic habits.

• Previous injuries or trauma that altered spinal mechanics.

When the lumbar spine or pelvis is misaligned, pressure can build on the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve, leading to pain that radiates down the leg.

What Is Chiropractic Care for Sciatica?

Chiropractic care for sciatica focuses on relieving pressure on the affected nerve roots and restoring proper movement in the lower back and pelvis.

Through precise spinal adjustments, chiropractic care helps reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and correct the mechanical patterns that contribute to sciatic nerve irritation.

This non-surgical, conservative approach is effective for sciatica caused by disc problems, posture-related strain, lumbar fixation, and mechanical stress from daily activities.

The goal is to restore healthy motion patterns so the lower back can move with less strain and irritation over time.

Why Axis Chiropractic Uses the CBP Method

Sciatica often stems from structural changes in the lower spine—such as loss of lumbar curvature, pelvic imbalance, or disc compression that irritates the sciatic nerve.

Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP) is the method we use because it corrects these underlying mechanical faults, not just the symptoms.

CBP combines three targeted corrective elements:

1. Chiropractic Adjustments: Restore motion in restricted lumbar and pelvic joints, easing nerve irritation.

2. CBP Structural Traction: Applies mirror-image forces that rebuild the lumbar curve and reduce disc stress along the sciatic pathway.

3. Mirror-Image Postural Exercises: Retrain spinal and pelvic posture to prevent recurring nerve pressure.

For disc-driven sciatica, additional supportive therapies—such as spinal decompression or Class IV laser therapy—may be used alongside CBP to reduce disc pressure.

These therapies are not part of the CBP system but can help manage symptoms while CBP corrects the structural cause.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Sciatica Treatment?

Sciatica presents differently from person to person, but certain groups are especially likely to benefit from corrective chiropractic care:

1. Individuals With Car Accident or Whiplash Injuries

Trauma from collisions can shift the lumbar spine or pelvis, creating nerve tension and long-term instability. Structural correction is often necessary for lasting relief.

➡️ Learn more: Car Accident Recovery Chiropractic Care

2. Athletes and Active Individuals With Sports-Related Back Injuries

Repetitive strain, rotation, and high-impact movements may irritate lumbar discs or compress nerve roots. Corrective chiropractic helps restore alignment and reduce nerve stress.

➡️ Learn more: Sports Injuries Chiropractic Care

3. Office Workers and Individuals With Posture-Related Discomfort

Extended sitting, poor workstation setup, and weakened postural muscles are major contributors to sciatic irritation. Posture correction helps relieve mechanical pressure on the sciatic nerve.

➡️ Learn more: Posture Correction Program