Diagnostic Imaging

• Your chiropractor may take X-rays before proceeding with treatment to verify that chiropractic therapies can effectively treat your pain.
  
  

Muscle Therapies

• Before performing adjustments, most chiropractors prescribe muscle therapies. Common muscle therapies prescribed for sciatic pain include heat or ice therapy, a deep muscle heating treatment called ultrasound and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation---a treatment involving mild electrical stimulation of the affected muscles.
  
  

Adjustment

• In chiropractic adjustments for sciatica, your chiropractor will ask you to lie on your back or side, or may adjust you in both positions, depending on the source of your pain. Chiropractic manipulation does not exceed the joint's normal range of motion.
  
  

Physical Therapies

• As your pain subsides, your chiropractor will prescribe physical therapies you can perform at home. These exercises will include gentle muscle stretches to help your bones and joints maintain their proper positions while preventing a recurrence of pain.
  
  

Communication

• Tell your chiropractor about any increase in pain or new pain as soon as possible, and discuss any questions or concerns at your next visit.