Sciatica, Sleep Issues & Shoulder Pain Helped by Chiropractic

On July 24, 2024, the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research published the results of a case study that documented the improvement with chiropractic of a patient suffering with sciatic pain, shoulder pain and sleeping problems. According to the Mayo Clinic website, "Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve travels from the buttocks and down each leg."

The study begins with the study author pointing out that "Shoulder pain, sleep problems, and sciatica pose significant challenges to daily life, often resulting in disability. While numerous medical treatments are accessible, their outcomes remain inconsistent."

In this case, a 33-year-old man presented himself for chiropractic care in the hope of gaining relief from multiple issues. At that time, the man was suffering with right shoulder pain, sciatica pain down the back of both legs, poor posture, and decreased sleep quality.

His history revealed that he was also having digestive issues and was under an "unbearable" amount of stress. His shoulder pain was constant while standing for extended periods, causing him to slouch resulting in his poor posture. His sciatica pain would occur when he sat or stood for extended periods of time without moving.

A chiropractic examination with spinal x-rays was performed. The results of these showed that vertebral subluxations were present. Based on this finding, specific forms of chiropractic adjustments were started to correct the subluxations.

The results of the care showed that the man improved is all areas. His pains were initially rated on a 1 to 10 scale with 10 being the worst. Initially, he reported that his neck pain was a 4, his mid back at 2, headaches at 6, right shoulder at 6, low back at 7, sciatica on the left side at 5, and sciatica on the right side at 4.

After months of chiropractic care, the man's progress showed that his right shoulder pain was reduced to 0, his neck pain down to 1, headaches at 0, mid back at 1, low back at 0, and left and right-side sciatica at a 0. The study also reported that the man was experiencing better sleep, better digestion, and an overall improvement in his quality of life.

In the study conclusion, the author discusses the advantage of a drugless approach like chiropractic, as compared to medical management for pain. "When determining the most suitable approach for addressing sciatica and shoulder pain, it is imperative for healthcare providers to engage in open dialogue with their patients, especially when contemplating the use of medications. Providing comprehensive information regarding the potential risks and adverse reactions associated with prescribed medications is of utmost importance."