top of page

Chiropractic and Sciatica

Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive and effective approach to relieving sciatica by addressing the underlying spinal dysfunctions that irritate or compress the sciatic nerve. By realigning the spine and improving mobility, chiropractic adjustments can reduce nerve pressure, inflammation, and radiating pain down the leg. This report examines how chiropractic care can help restore function and provide lasting relief for individuals suffering from sciatic pain.

Spinal X-ray Scan
Chiropractic Therapy Session
Human Spine Anatomy

Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica

Understanding SciaticaSciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the human bodyncbi.nlm.nih.gov. The sciatic nerve is actually a bundle of nerve roots (originating from L4 to S3 in the lower spine) that converge and run from the lower back through the buttock and down each legmy.clevelandclinic.orgncbi.nlm.nih.gov. When one of these nerve roots is irritated or compressed, it can produce the classic symptoms of sciatica: sharp, burning or electric shock-like pain that travels from the low back, through the buttock, and down the back of the thigh and calfmayoclinic.org. Often, sciatica affects only one side and can be accompanied by numbness, tingling (“pins and needles”), or muscle weakness in the affected legmy.clevelandclinic.orgmayoclinic.org. In other words, patients might feel pain in one part of the leg and numbness in another, reflecting the specific nerve root involved. This occurs because each spinal nerve root supplies sensation to a predictable region of the skin (a dermatome) and contributes to specific muscle actions. For example, compression of the L4 nerve root may cause pain or sensory changes in the anterior thigh and knee, with weakness in straightening the knee (and a reduced knee reflex), whereas an L5 root irritation can radiate pain into the top of the foot with difficulty lifting the big toencbi.nlm.nih.gov. An S1 radiculopathy often produces pain down the back of the calf into the outer foot, with weakness in ankle push-off and a diminished Achilles (ankle) reflexncbi.nlm.nih.gov. These hallmark patterns help doctors identify which nerve is affected – essentially, the pain “maps” to the nerve’s dermatome. Sciatica pain tends to worsen with movements that further compress the nerve root (such as bending, coughing or prolonged sitting) and can range from a mild ache to excruciating pain that severely limits daily activitiesmy.clevelandclinic.orgmayoclinic.org.

Sciatica is very common, with epidemiological studies indicating a lifetime incidence between about 10% and 40% in the general populationncbi.nlm.nih.gov. It most often occurs in adults in their 30s and 40s, and rarely before age 20 unless trauma is involvedncbi.nlm.nih.gov. The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated lumbar disc (a “slipped” or protruding disc) that presses on a nearby nerve rootncbi.nlm.nih.govmayoclinic.org. The lumbar spine (lower back) bears a lot of stress, and if an intervertebral disc’s soft center bulges or ruptures through its outer layer, it can compress the nerve root exiting the spine at that level. This “pinching” of the nerve root triggers inflammation and neuropathic pain that radiates along the nerve’s distributionmayoclinic.org. Sciatica can also be caused by other structural issues that narrow the spaces where nerves travel. These include lumbar spinal stenosis (a bony narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve root canals), spondylolisthesis (a vertebra slipping forward and impinging the nerve), or even bony overgrowths (osteophytes) from arthritisncbi.nlm.nih.gov. In some cases, muscle spasm or piriformis syndrome (tightness of a deep hip muscle compressing the sciatic nerve) can mimic true sciaticancbi.nlm.nih.govncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Regardless of the exact cause, the end result is that the sciatic nerve or its contributing roots become irritated, leading to the radiating leg pain and neurological symptoms. Importantly, sciatica is a clinical description of these symptoms, not a specific diagnosis – it tells us that a nerve root is involved, but pinpointing the exact cause (e.g. a herniated disc at L5–S1) requires an evaluation.

Lumbar Curve and Nerve Pressure

The shape of the spine – particularly the curvature of the lumbar region – plays a significant role in nerve function and disc health. A healthy lower back has a gentle inward curve called the lumbar lordosis, which helps evenly distribute mechanical loads. If this lumbar curve is reduced or flattened, it can alter the biomechanics of the spine in ways that increase stress on the lumbar discs and the nerve roots. In fact, one of the most common radiographic findings in people with chronic low back pain (and especially those with disc injuries) is a loss of the normal lumbar lordotic curvaturepmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. A comprehensive 2017 meta-analysis in The Spine Journal confirmed that patients with low back pain tend to have a smaller lumbar lordotic angle than people without back pain – and the difference is especially pronounced in cases of disc herniation and degenerationpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. In other words, disc-related back pain (often accompanied by sciatica) is strongly associated with a flatter-than-normal lumbar spine. From a mechanical perspective, a diminished lumbar curve can mean that the lower spine is less able to absorb vertical loads. This may lead to higher pressure on the intervertebral discs and a narrowing of the openings (foramina) where the nerve roots exit. A flattened or “straightened” lumbar spine also shifts weight-bearing closer to the discs and posterior joints, which can facilitate disc bulging. It’s not surprising, then, that restoring the normal lordosis is a key goal in alleviating nerve root compression.

Evidence supports the connection between lumbar curvature and nerve pressure. A narrative review of non-surgical treatments for disc herniation noted that hypolordosis (too little curve) is consistently observed in patients with lumbar disc herniations, and that this loss of curve may contribute to tensile stress on nerve tissuespmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Encouragingly, improving the lumbar lordosis can relieve that stress. In several clinical trials, patients with sciatica and a reduced lumbar curve underwent specialized extension traction to increase their lordosis as part of treatment. The results showed not only better pain and disability outcomes, but also objective improvement in nerve function. For example, Moustafa et al. reported in a randomized trial that adding lumbar extension traction for patients with L5–S1 disc herniation (and a lordotic angle < 39°) led to greater reductions in leg pain and disability compared to controls, and significantly improved the latency and amplitude of the H-reflex (a reflex electrical signal in the calf muscle used to gauge sciatic nerve conductivity)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

The authors noted that increasing the lordosis likely reduced tension and compression on the nerve root, allowing the nerve to function better (as evidenced by a normalized H-reflex)pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. In that trial, the traction group showed sustained improvements at 6-month follow-up in pain, range of motion, and nerve function measurespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Similarly, a recent review highlighted that incorporating lumbar lordosis rehabilitation (using extension traction devices) in care for discogenic radiculopathy yielded superior long-term outcomes and even measurable changes on follow-up MRIpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. In short, a reduced lumbar curve can contribute to nerve root compression, and correcting that curve through proper spinal alignment is associated with decompression of the nerves and relief of radiating painpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. This principle is central to the chiropractic approach, which aims to restore optimal spinal alignment and thereby take pressure off the neural structures.

Radiating Pain and Dermatomes

Sciatica pain follows the course of the affected nerve root, a pattern explained by spinal nerve dermatomes. Dermatomes are like mapped territories on the skin that each spinal nerve root innervates. When a lumbar or sacral nerve root is pinched or inflamed, the brain perceives pain in that nerve’s dermatome – even though the origin of the pain is “upstream” at the spine. Patients often describe a line of pain or abnormal sensation extending from the back or buttock down into a specific part of the leg or foot. For instance, compression of the L5 nerve root (often due to an L4–L5 disc herniation) may cause pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates down the outer thigh into the dorsum of the foot and big toe, sometimes accompanied by weakness in lifting the foot (foot drop) or extending the big toencbi.nlm.nih.gov. An S1 nerve root compression (commonly from an L5–S1 disc herniation) tends to produce symptoms down the back of the leg into the outside of the foot and sole; patients may have difficulty tip-toeing or pushing off that foot, along with a diminished ankle reflexncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Higher nerve roots are less frequently involved in classic sciatica, but an L4 radiculopathy can refer pain to the front of the thigh and shin, with weakness in straightening the knee and a reduced knee (patellar) reflexncbi.nlm.nih.gov. These dermatomal pain patterns are a useful guide for clinicians. Not every case is textbook – research shows there is some individual variation in pain referral patterns – but most sciatica from L5 or S1 roots will roughly follow their expected dermatomes (with S1 being the most reliably dermatomal)chiromt.biomedcentral.comchiromt.biomedcentral.com.

The mechanism behind this radiating pain is a combination of nerve irritation and inflammation. The sciatic nerve roots contain sensory fibers that transmit signals from the leg to the spinal cord. When a disc herniation presses on a nerve root, it not only physically compresses these fibers but also triggers the release of inflammatory chemicals. The result is ectopic (abnormal) nerve impulses that the brain interprets as pain in the peripheral areas served by that nervechiromt.biomedcentral.com. In essence, the brain is “tricked” into feeling pain along the leg, even though the real injury is in the back. This is why sciatica pain can shoot down beyond the site of compression. Along with pain, patients might experience paresthesia (pins and needles) or numbness in the same distribution, because the sensory signals from that dermatome are disrupted. Motor fibers are often affected as well, leading to weakness in the muscles controlled by that nerve root. Notably, symptoms like foot drop (inability to flex the ankle upward) or loss of reflexes indicate a significant nerve root impingement. These signs help chiropractors and other clinicians localize the problem. For example, an absent Achilles reflex and calf weakness strongly suggest S1 nerve root involvementncbi.nlm.nih.gov. By understanding dermatomes, a chiropractor can correlate the patient’s pain pattern to the specific spinal level that needs attention. This is a cornerstone of sciatic patient assessments – and it underscores the importance of addressing the problem at its source (the spine) to relieve the symptoms in the limb. Chiropractic care, with its focus on the spine and nerve function, is well-suited to address these underlying causes of radiating pain rather than just the symptoms in the leg.

Posture and Its Impact on the Low Back

It’s important to recognize that the spine works as a whole chain, and issues in one region can affect others. One striking example is how upper body posture – like forward head carriage – influences the lower back. Forward head posture (also known as anterior head carriage) is when the head juts out in front of the shoulders, often accompanied by rounded shoulders and an exaggerated upper back curve (thoracic kyphosis). This posture has become increasingly common (think of people hunched over phones or computers) and doesn’t just cause neck pain – it can lead to a cascade of compensatory changes down the spinebrieflands.com. When the head is carried forward, the upper spine tends to develop an excessive kyphotic (hunched) curve to balance the weight of the head. Research confirms a significant association between forward head posture and increased thoracic kyphosisbrieflands.combrieflands.com. For instance, a 2023 study of adolescents found that those with more forward head tilt also had greater thoracic kyphosis anglesbrieflands.com. This rounding of the upper back can, in turn, affect the lumbar spine’s curvature. Typically, as thoracic kyphosis increases, the lumbar lordosis may decrease as part of a global postural adaptation (especially in a slumped or sway-back posture). Essentially, the pelvis may tuck under (posterior tilt) to compensate for the upper body’s forward shift, which flattens the low back curve. Indeed, studies have observed that forward head posture is correlated with changes in lumbopelvic alignment – including a reduction in the lumbar lordotic angle and an altered pelvic tiltpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. In older adults with chronic back pain, a more forward head position (measured by a decreased craniovertebral angle) was significantly associated with a smaller lumbar lordosis and greater pain intensity in one cross-sectional studypubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. In simpler terms, when the head and shoulders slump forward, the low back tends to lose its healthy curve, which can add stress to the lumbar discs and joints.

Forward head posture also shifts the center of gravity and increases the load through the spine. For every inch the head moves forward, the pressure on the neck and back increases substantially. This can lead to muscle fatigue and tightness not just in the neck and shoulders but also in the lower back as it strives to maintain balance. Chiropractors often point out this chain reaction: poor postural habits in the upper body can contribute to low back problems over time. A classic rehabilitation medicine study noted that maintaining proper lumbar lordosis was very important for correcting forward head posture, implying that strengthening the low back curve helps bring the head back in linee-arm.org. Conversely, if the low back curve collapses (as in a slouched seated posture), the upper back and head will slump forward – a recipe for strain from top to bottom. Anterior head carriage with thoracic hyperkyphosis effectively adds pressure to the lumbar spine. The loss of lumbar lordosis in this scenario means the lumbar vertebrae are not optimally aligned, which can reduce the space where nerves exit and increase shear forces on the discs. Over time, this increases the risk of disc herniation or degenerative changes that can pinch the sciatic nerve roots. Patients with forward head posture may thus experience a combination of neck pain, mid-back tightness, and low back pain with sciatica, all stemming from the same postural imbalance.

Chiropractic care pays close attention to posture as a contributing factor to musculoskeletal pain. A comprehensive chiropractic approach to sciatica will often include evaluation of the entire spine, not just the lower back, because imbalances in one region can impose stresses elsewhere. By addressing anterior head carriage (through adjustments in the cervical and thoracic spine, posture exercises, etc.), a chiropractor may also indirectly relieve stress on the lower back. This holistic, posture-focused perspective is one reason chiropractic can be so effective for complex cases of sciatica that have postural components. Restoring a more normal thoracic curve and head position can allow the lumbar lordosis to return to its ideal shape, taking pressure off the lumbar discs and nerve roots. In short, good posture – head back, shoulders aligned over hips, and a natural lumbar curve – matters for preventing nerve compression. Chiropractic adjustments, along with postural guidance, can help achieve that alignment, thereby reducing the root causes of sciatica pain rather than just the symptoms.

Chiropractic Care for Sciatica

Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free approach that aims to correct spinal misalignments, restore normal motion, and optimize nervous system function. Given the above-discussed mechanisms of sciatica, it makes intuitive sense that chiropractic can be a powerful treatment choice: by realigning the spine (including improving a reduced lumbar lordosis or a forward-tilted pelvis), chiropractic adjustments can relieve pressure on the lumbar nerve roots and promote healing. What’s more, a growing body of research and clinical evidence supports the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments (spinal manipulation) for sciatica and related radiculopathy – often with results comparable to, or better than, more invasive treatments. An educational review in StatPearls notes that spinal manipulation is an effective conservative option for managing sciatica, helping to improve pain and function as part of a comprehensive planncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Below, we highlight several key studies that demonstrate how chiropractic care benefits sciatica patients:

  • Pain Relief and Functional Improvement: In a landmark randomized controlled trial published in the Spine Journal, Santilli et al. compared chiropractic spinal adjustments to a sham (simulated) adjustment in 102 patients with acute back pain and sciatica from disc herniation. The results strongly favored real chiropractic manipulation. After one month of care, 55% of patients receiving actual adjustments were pain-free from sciatica, compared to only 20% in the sham group – a statistically significant differencepubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. They also found faster resolution of severe radiating pain in the chiropractic group and no serious adverse events. In short, patients who got the real spinal corrections had greater relief of leg pain, needed fewer pain medications, and reported better quality of life than those who did notpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. This high-quality trial provides scientific validation that chiropractic adjustments can directly alleviate nerve pressure and inflammation in acute disc-related sciatica.

Avoiding Surgery: Chronic sciatica can be debilitating, and some patients with disc herniations are told that surgery (such as a microdiscectomy) is the only way to get relief. However, chiropractic may help many avoid surgery altogether. A notable randomized clinical study by McMorland et al. in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics investigated sciatica patients with confirmed disc herniations who had already tried other medical treatments for at least 3 months and were candidates for surgerypubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. The patients were split into two groups: half underwent spinal surgery and the other half underwent chiropractic adjustments (with the option to “cross over” to surgery if chiropractic care failed). Amazingly, at the 1-year follow-up, outcomes were equivalent for the two groupspubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Sixty percent of the patients who received chiropractic improved to the same degree as those who underwent surgery – in other words, they recovered without ever needing the operationpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. (Of the few who didn’t improve enough with chiropractic, most got good results after surgery, showing that surgery is still there as a backup.) The key point is that a majority of sciatica sufferers in this study were able to avoid surgical intervention by pursuing skilled chiropractic care, with outcomes (pain relief, return to work, daily function) just as good as the surgical patientspubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. This evidence supports trying conservative care first. Chiropractic spinal adjustments can reduce the disc bulge and nerve pressure sufficiently for natural healing to occur, all while sidestepping the risks and recovery time of surgery.

  • Objective Disc Healing: Chiropractors have long observed that when you restore proper motion and alignment to the spine, the body can often resorb disc herniations and calm inflammation. Modern imaging studies have borne this out. For example, a prospective study published in JMPT followed 27 patients with confirmed disc herniations on MRI who underwent chiropractic treatment (including spinal manipulation, traction/distraction techniques, and exercises). After a course of care, follow-up MRI scans showed that 63% of patients had a reduction in the size of their disc herniation, with some herniations completely resorbed (disappearing on MRI)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Clinically, 80% of those patients achieved significant pain relief and improved function (their pain scores dropped to mild levels and exam findings normalized)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Importantly, there was a statistically significant correlation between the MRI improvements and the clinical improvementspubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – meaning that reducing the herniation on imaging translated into the patient feeling and moving better.

This study concluded that chiropractic care is a safe and effective modality for disc herniations, and it called for further randomized trials given the positive outcomespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Similarly, individual case reports have documented dramatic healing with chiropractic. For instance, one case report detailed a large L5–S1 disc extrusion (“massive” on MRI) in a 31-year-old male causing sciatica; the patient’s treatment included lumbar traction adjustments and pelvic blocking. His leg pain improved after the first visit and was almost completely gone by the third visit, and he was able to return to full activity with minimal discomfortchiropractic.ca. Such cases illustrate the rapid relief that proper chiropractic care can sometimes provide in acute sciatica situations. Over a few weeks, the body can reabsorb portions of the disc and the nerve inflammation subsides – especially when chiropractic adjustments have reduced the mechanical compression on the nerve, giving the body a chance to heal.

Posture Correction and Comprehensive Care: As discussed, issues like forward head posture or pelvic misalignment can contribute to sciatica. Chiropractic care is holistic, often addressing these factors in tandem. Chiropractors may adjust not only the lumbar spine but also the pelvis, thoracic spine, and cervical spine as needed to improve overall posture and biomechanics. For example, if a patient has anterior head carriage and a loss of lumbar curve, the chiropractor will work on spinal regions above and below to restore balance. There is evidence that this comprehensive approach yields neurological benefits. In one randomized trial, patients with chronic back pain and radiculopathy received standard physiotherapy exercises either with or without the addition of a chiropractic technique called extension traction (aimed at increasing lumbar lordosis). The group receiving the chiropractic traction had significant improvements in their spinal alignment, larger increases in nerve function (H-reflex amplitude), and greater reductions in pain and disability compared to the control grouppmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. The improved H-reflex indicated that nerve conduction along the sciatic pathway was faster and stronger, likely because the nerve root was no longer choked by the compressive forcespmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. This kind of neurologic improvement underscores that chiropractic treatments are not just about short-term pain relief – they can actually enhance the function of the nerves by removing interference (a principle chiropractors have advocated for over a century, now supported by modern data).

Reduced Need for Medications: Another major advantage of chiropractic care for sciatica is reducing dependence on pain medications, particularly opioids. Given the risks of opioid medications, any therapy that can alleviate pain while avoiding drugs is highly valuable. A 2025 retrospective cohort study published in PLOS ONE analyzed over 370,000 sciatica patients and found that those who received chiropractic spinal manipulation as initial care had a 32% lower risk of being prescribed opioids, and correspondingly had a significantly lower incidence of opioid-related adverse events, compared to those who received usual medical care without chiropracticjournals.plos.orgjournals.plos.org. Essentially, by effectively managing sciatica pain through adjustments, chiropractic patients were less likely to need opioids or suffer their side effects. The authors noted that these findings align with current clinical guidelines that recommend including spinal manipulation in the conservative management of sciaticajournals.plos.org. This is a powerful public health argument for chiropractic: it not only helps people feel better, but it also steers them away from potentially addictive medications and invasive procedures whenever possible.

In summary, chiropractic care for sciatica is educationally and clinically grounded in sound biomechanical and neurological principles. By using precise adjustments or gentle spinal mobilizations, a chiropractor can correct misalignments, restore the natural curvature of the spine, and enlarge the space through which nerves pass. This directly addresses the root cause of sciatica – nerve compression or irritation – rather than just numbing the pain. The tone of evidence in the research is very positive: case studies, clinical trials, and reviews consistently report significant improvements in pain levels, functional ability, and patient satisfaction with chiropractic care for sciaticapubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govchiropractic.ca.

Many patients experience not only pain relief but also better posture, improved flexibility, and a return to normal activities without surgery. Chiropractic care is also extremely safe when administered by a trained professional, with a very low risk of serious adverse events – especially when compared to spine surgery or long-term drug use. This safety profile, combined with demonstrated efficacy, makes chiropractic a very attractive first-line treatment for sciatica.

Sciatica can be a life-altering pain, but it does not have to be faced with surgery or habit-forming medications as the first option. Chiropractic care offers an evidence-based, natural approach that works with your body’s structure to alleviate the pressure on the sciatic nerve. By correcting spinal misalignments – whether it’s a rotated vertebra, a pelvic tilt, or a loss of lumbar curve – chiropractors aim to remove the impediments to your nervous system so that healing can occur. We’ve seen how a reduced lumbar lordosis or poor posture can set the stage for nerve compression; chiropractors are uniquely trained to detect these issues through examination and X-rays, and then to gently adjust the spine to restore alignment. The result is often that the pinched nerve is freed up, inflammation subsides, and the radiating leg pain diminishes. Patients frequently report improvements in flexibility, posture, and overall well-being as their spine returns to a more balanced state.Importantly, the research backing chiropractic for sciatica is robust and growing. From the clinical trial evidence showing chiropractic’s superiority to sham treatmentspubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, equivalence to surgery in certain casespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, and ability to facilitate disc healing on MRIpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, to large-scale data indicating fewer opioid prescriptions among chiropractic patientsjournals.plos.orgjournals.plos.org – the message is clear. Chiropractic care is effective, safe, and can be a frontline solution for sciatica sufferers. It addresses the cause (nerve impingement due to spinal issues) rather than just dulling the symptoms. Moreover, chiropractors often educate patients on ergonomics, exercises, and lifestyle adjustments (such as proper lifting techniques and posture awareness) that empower patients to prevent recurrencesncbi.nlm.nih.govncbi.nlm.nih.gov. This preventive philosophy means the benefits of chiropractic care can be long-lasting, helping patients not only get out of pain but stay well.

If you or someone you know is enduring sciatica, trying chiropractic is a wise choice. Given the high success rates and the minimal downsides, a course of chiropractic evaluation and treatment is very much worth pursuing before considering more invasive measures. Many sciatica patients experience significant relief after just a few weeks of adjustments, especially when care is started early. Even those with chronic or severe sciatica often find that chiropractic treatments make a substantial difference in pain and function, improving their quality of life. The human body has an incredible capacity to heal when the structural distortions are corrected – and chiropractic is all about facilitating that natural healing. In conclusion, chiropractic care stands out as an educationally sound and persuasive treatment option for sciatica, with a track record of helping patients get back on their feet and doing the things they love, free from the grip of nerve pain. By reducing nerve pressure, restoring spinal curves, and improving posture, chiropractic treats sciatica at its source – allowing you to move freely and live comfortably once again.

References:
 

  1. Davis D, Taqi M, Vasudevan A. Sciatica. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Janncbi.nlm.nih.govncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

  2. Torres-Cusihuaman L, Bravo-Cucci S. Association between thoracic kyphosis and forward head posture in teenagers: An analytical cross-sectional study. Middle East J Rehabil Health Stud. 2023;10(4):e134579brieflands.combrieflands.com.

  3. Khodaparast H, Shirazi A, et al. Non-surgical approaches to the management of lumbar disc herniation associated with radiculopathy: A narrative review. [Journal] 2023pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

  4. Santilli V, Beghi E, Finucci S. Chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of acute back pain and sciatica with disc protrusion: a randomized double-blind trial of active vs. simulated manipulations. Spine J. 2006;6(2):131-7pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

  5. McMorland G, Suter E, et al. Manipulation or microdiskectomy for sciatica? A randomized clinical study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2010;33(8):576-84pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

  6. Trager RJ, et al. Association between chiropractic spinal manipulation for sciatica and opioid-related adverse events: a retrospective cohort study. PLoS One. 2025;20(1):e0317663journals.plos.orgjournals.plos.org.

  7. Moustafa IM, Diab AA. Extension traction treatment for discogenic lumbosacral radiculopathy: a randomized controlled trial with 6-month follow-up. Clin Rehabil. 2013;27(1):51-62pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

  8. BenEliyahu DJ. Magnetic resonance imaging and clinical follow-up study of 27 patients receiving chiropractic care for disc herniation. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1996;19(9):597-606pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

  9. Howell ER. Conservative management of a 31-year-old male with low back and leg pain (L5-S1 disc herniation): case report. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2012;56(3):225-232chiropractic.ca.

  10. Chun SW, et al. The relationships between low back pain and lumbar lordosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Spine J. 2017;17(8):1180-1191pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

  11. Elabd AM, Elabd OM. Relationships between forward head posture and lumbopelvic sagittal alignment in older adults with chronic low back pain. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021;28:150-156pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

  12. Murphy DR, et al. Pain patterns and descriptions in patients with radicular pain: does the pain necessarily follow a specific dermatome? Chiropr Osteopat. 2009;17:9chiromt.biomedcentral.comchiromt.biomedcentral.com.

  13. Mayo Clinic Staff. Sciatica – Symptoms & Causes. Mayo Clinic. Updated 2022mayoclinic.orgmayoclinic.org.

  14. Cleveland Clinic Staff (A. Bang, DC). Sciatica – What is it, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment. ClevelandClinic.org. 2023my.clevelandclinic.orgmy.clevelandclinic.org.

  15. Park JS, Na YM. Forward head posture: relationship between spinal alignment indices and myoelectrical activity of paraspinal muscles. Ann Rehabil Med. 2003;27(1):126-130e-arm.org.

  16. StatPearls Publishing. Patient Education: Sciatica Exercises and Posture Tips (from StatPearls)ncbi.nlm.nih.govncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

  17. Diab AA, Moustafa IM. Lumbar lordosis rehabilitation for chronic mechanical low back pain: a randomized trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2012;35(4):246-53pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

  18. Lee JH, et al. Improved intervertebral disc height and lumbar lordosis with extension traction in discogenic radiculopathy: a randomized trial. Study 2020pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

  19. Hincapié CA, et al. Chiropractic care and risk for acute lumbar disc herniation: a population-based case-crossover study. Eur Spine J. 2018;27(7):1526-1537pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

  20. Murphy RJ, et al. Restoring lumbar lordosis: a systematic review of Chiropractic BioPhysics® methods. J Phys Ther Sci. 2020;32(8):601-610pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

bottom of page