James N.
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Sciatica
SYMPTOM
Sciatica
SITUATION
James, a 42-year-old long-haul truck driver, came to KIRO with sharp, radiating pain down his right leg which has been bothering him as he operates pedals while driving. The pain worsened after long hours behind the wheel, often leaving him with numbness, tingling, and occasional weakness in his foot by the end of the day. He had tried over-the-counter pain relievers, stretching, and brief periods of rest, but the relief was only temporary. Concerned about the impact on both his work and daily life, James sought chiropractic care to reduce his sciatica symptoms, improve function, and prevent future flare-ups.
TREATMENT
Care began with a comprehensive evaluation by our team of doctors. The assessment revealed limited hip and lower back mobility, tightness in the piriformis and hamstring muscles, and postural imbalances consistent with prolonged sitting. A nervous system scan showed elevated tension along the lumbar spine and orthopedic testing revealed interference with the sciatic nerve, confirming the source of his leg pain and discomfort.
Based on these findings, our doctors designed a personalized three-month care plan focused on relieving nerve pressure, restoring spinal and hip mobility, and correcting underlying postural issues. Though our doctors wanted to see James three times a week to start care, with his schedule he was only able to commit to twice per week. Our doctors explained this might mean relief would take a little longer to achieve, and began care. Adjustments targeted the lumbar spine, pelvis, and sacroiliac joint to reduce nerve compression. Hands-on soft tissue therapy addressed tight hip and glute muscles, while gentle nerve-gliding exercises were introduced to improve sciatic nerve function.
After five-weeks, our doctors reassessed, and James showed notable improvements. An updated nervous system scan indicated reduced lumbar tension, and he reported still notable, but less frequent leg pain, numbness, and tingling. Mobility in the lower back and hips had increased, and James was able to complete longer driving shifts with minimal discomfort. Based on these objective and subjective improvements, the doctors shifted the focus of care to corrective strengthening, core stabilization, and long-term prevention.
Over the following two months, James continued to be seen twice weekly, and participated in progressive exercises to strengthen his core and hip stabilizers, improve posture, and maintain proper spinal alignment during long hours of driving. Our doctors showed him stretching routines for the piriformis, hamstrings, and lower back to address muscular imbalances and reduce nerve irritation.
By the end of the three-month care plan, James reported full resolution of his leg pain and numbness during and after long drives. A final nervous system scan confirmed normal tension levels throughout the lumbar spine and pelvis, demonstrating the effectiveness of the care plan.
RESULT
During his initial three months with KIRO, James experienced major improvements in sciatic nerve function, lower back and hip mobility, and overall comfort during long drives. He was able to complete extended trips without pain or tingling in his driving leg. James has since adopted a daily stretching and core-strengthening routine, combined with periodic maintenance chiropractic visits while he’s not on the job, to sustain his spinal health and prevent future sciatica flare-ups.
DURATION
3 months
