Sciatica Treatment in Palmyra, PA

Chiropractic Care for Sciatica Relief in Palmyra, PA

Understanding Sciatica: What It Is & Why It Happens

Sciatica is not a diagnosis itself, but a term used to describe symptoms that arise when the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed. This nerve is the longest in the body, running from your lower back, through your hips and buttocks, down each leg to your feet. When something disrupts the nerve’s function, a cascade of discomfort can follow.

Common causes of sciatica include:

• Herniated or bulging lumbar discs

• Degenerative disc disease

• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal canal)

• Piriformis syndrome (tightness or spasm of the piriformis muscle)

• Spondylolisthesis (vertebra slippage)

• Spinal misalignment or joint dysfunction

At Fitterer Chiropractic, we evaluate the root cause of your sciatica and design a precise plan to address it, not just mask the pain.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Here are the hallmark signs and symptoms of sciatica:

• Sharp, burning, or electric-shock pain radiating from the low back or buttock down the back of the thigh and leg

• Numbness or tingling (pins-and-needles) in the leg, foot, or toes

• Weakness in leg muscles or foot drop

• Pain that worsens when sitting, sneezing, or coughing

• Relief when walking or changing position

How Chiropractic Helps with Sciatica Pain

Chiropractic care offers a non-surgical, drug-free approach to relieve sciatica by correcting the underlying biomechanical issues that contribute to nerve irritation. At Fitterer Chiropractic, our approach typically involves:

1. Comprehensive Assessment
   We begin with a detailed history, posture and spinal alignment evaluation, orthopedic and neurological testing, and (if available) imaging review.

2. Targeted Spinal Adjustments
   Gentle, precise adjustments help realign vertebrae, reduce joint dysfunction, and eliminate mechanical stress on the sciatic nerve.

3. Decompression & Traction (if needed)
   In selected cases, we may use mechanical or manual decompression to relieve pressure on discs and nerve roots.

4. Soft-Tissue Work & Myofascial Therapies
   Releasing tension in the glutes, hamstrings, piriformis, and hips is often critical, particularly when muscles are tight and compressing the nerve.

5. Rehabilitative Exercise & Stability Training
   Strengthening core, glute, and pelvic muscles helps stabilize the spine and prevent recurring nerve irritation.

6. Lifestyle & Postural Counseling
   We advise on optimal sitting posture, ergonomic adjustments, stretches, and movement modifications to reduce strain on your sciatic nerve in daily life.

What to Expect During Treatment

• Your treatment plan will be personalized to your unique presentation and tolerance — no “one size fits all.”
• Many patients walk out feeling less tension and better mobility immediately after an adjustment.

• Because sciatica often involves soft-tissue compression or irritation, you may experience mild soreness or fatigue in the treated areas for 24–48 hours.

Progress is reassessed continually. As symptoms improve, the frequency of care is gradually reduced until you’re well into management or preventive care.

Why Choose Fitterer Chiropractic for Sciatica?

• Decades of Community Trust
  Fitterer Chiropractic has served Palmyra, Annville, Hershey, and the surrounding communities for many years, helping generations recover from spinal and nerve issues.

• Holistic, Patient-Centered Approach
  We treat you as a whole person — not just a back or nerve problem — integrating alignment, soft tissue, movement, and lifestyle.

• Range of Therapies
  Beyond spinal adjustments, we offer rehabilitation, nutrition, custom orthotics, and more to support overall healing.

• Accessibility & Service
  Our practice is conveniently located in Palmyra, with staff ready to help you schedule, answer questions, and support your journey to health.

When you visit our chiropractic facility in Palmyra, PA, Dr. Fitterer will take the time to properly examine you and determine the root causes of your sciatica pain. Dr. Fitterer will then customize a treatment plan designed to not only relieve your pain, but keep the pain from coming back.

Call us at 717-838-2071 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.