Sciatica Treatment in Glen Carbon, IL
At Superior Chiropractic & Rehab, we treat sciatica by identifying and addressing the root cause of nerve irritation, not just masking leg pain. Many patients travel from Glen Carbon, Edwardsville, and surrounding communities for our focused, non-surgical approach to sciatica relief.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, often due to changes in how the spine, hips, and surrounding tissues tolerate load and movement. While disc-related issues are common, sciatica is rarely caused by a single structure alone.
Contributing factors may include disc bulges or herniations, joint stiffness, reduced hip mobility, muscle imbalances, prolonged sitting, prior injury, or poor movement strategies. Identifying what is stressing the nerve is essential for long-term relief.
Common Types of Sciatica We See
Sciatica can present differently from person to person. Some individuals experience sharp or burning pain radiating into the hip, thigh, or calf, while others notice numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot.
We commonly work with patients experiencing disc-related sciatica, nerve tension symptoms that worsen with sitting or bending, mechanical sciatica triggered by movement or loading, and recurring leg pain that hasn’t resolved with rest or prior care.
Our Sciatica Evaluation Process
Every patient begins with a comprehensive sciatica evaluation that includes a detailed health history, movement assessment, and physical examination focused on nerve function and load tolerance.
We assess spinal mobility, hip mechanics, nerve sensitivity, core control, and movement patterns to determine why the sciatic nerve is irritated. This allows us to create a targeted treatment plan instead of relying on generic or passive approaches.
How We Treat Sciatica (Without Surgery)
Sciatica treatment focuses on reducing nerve irritation while restoring movement, strength, and tolerance over time. Care is adjusted based on how your symptoms respond, ensuring progress without aggravation.
Treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, targeted rehab exercises, mobility work, and gradual reloading strategies designed to calm the nerve and improve long-term resilience—not just short-term relief.
Who This Approach Is For (and not for)
This approach is ideal for individuals seeking lasting relief from sciatica who are willing to participate in their recovery. It works especially well for people with disc-related leg pain, recurring sciatica episodes, or symptoms that haven’t resolved with rest alone.
This program is not a fit for those looking for quick, passive treatments without addressing movement or strength, or for individuals unwilling to follow a structured plan aimed at long-term improvement.
FAQs For Superior Chiropractic & Rehab
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the many questions we get asked. If you cant find your question please feel free to contact us
How long does it take to recover from sciatica?
Recovery depends on the cause of nerve irritation, symptom severity, and how consistently treatment recommendations are followed. Many patients notice early improvement within the first few visits, with continued progress as nerve tolerance and movement improve.
Do I need an MRI for sciatica?
In most cases, an MRI is not needed right away. Sciatica is often evaluated through a detailed history and physical exam to determine how the nerve is being irritated. Imaging is typically recommended only if symptoms are severe, worsening, or not improving with appropriate conservative care.
Will exercise make my sciatica worse?
When chosen correctly, exercise usually helps sciatica rather than making it worse. Targeted movements can reduce nerve irritation, improve mobility, and restore tolerance to daily activities. Exercises are selected and progressed based on how your symptoms respond to avoid aggravation.
What causes sciatica to flare up?
Sciatica flare-ups commonly occur when the nerve is exposed to more load than it can tolerate. Prolonged sitting, repetitive bending, poor lifting mechanics, sudden increases in activity, or unresolved movement limitations can all contribute to symptom recurrence.
How many chiropractic visits are needed for sciatica?
The number of visits varies depending on the cause of sciatica, symptom severity, and individual response to care. Many patients notice improvement within the first few visits, while others benefit from a structured plan over several weeks to fully restore movement and nerve tolerance.
Can chiropractic care help chronic sciatica?
Yes. Chiropractic care combined with rehabilitation and movement-based treatment can be effective for chronic sciatica. By addressing joint function, nerve mobility, and strength deficits, care focuses on reducing ongoing nerve irritation and preventing recurring flare-ups.
Schedule your Sciatica evaluation
If sciatica pain is limiting your ability to sit, work, exercise, or sleep, a structured and individualized approach may be the missing piece. We focus on identifying what is irritating the nerve and building a plan that supports lasting relief.
Schedule your sciatica evaluation today and take the first step toward long-term improvement and a return to normal activity.