Sciatica, Leg & Arm Pain
​Leg or sciatic pain often stems from the pelvis or lower back, while arm pain can be linked to the neck. Many people are surprised when simple movements–like picking up paper, trigger intense pain. What they don’t realise is the issue likely built up over years, and that small movement was simply the final straw. Most spinal problems develop gradually, not overnight.
Understanding limb pain
Do you have:
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Shooting pain down one or both arms or legs
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Limb pain that changes with the change of body position
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Joint or limb feels ‘weak’ with activity
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Numbness or tingling in the hand or foot
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Pain in the arm or leg is a warning signal and should not be ignored. While most people reach for over-the-counter pain medications to get rid of the pain, at Chiropractic Balance we ask ‘What is the cause of your arm or leg pain?’
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Sometimes the cause of arm or leg pain is an imbalance of the knee, ankle, elbow, or wrist. But frequently it is caused by an imbalance of part of the spine (subluxation) that supplies nerves to that limb. Often arm pain is related to the neck, and leg pain is related to the lower back.
Solely focusing on the limb in isolation may not solve the underlying problem(1)(2). In fact, a recent study showed that 60% of people with back pain also have associated lower limb pain(1).
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Our Chiropractors specialise in identifying and dealing with imbalances in the spine, muscles, and nerves. We want to give you the best chance to get out of pain and keep you like that so you can do the things you enjoy.
Our approach
​If you have sciatica, arm or leg pain, at your first visit we will review your history and do a thorough examination to see what may be the cause of your pain and if we can help.
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It's estimated that back surgery is only about 15% effective within a five year period of time. By consulting with a chiropractor, you will be able to zero in on the source and deal with it, hopefully without needing invasive surgery. From there they will need to work with you to improve the position of the spine and discs(3)(4) with specific chiropractic care.
But we don’t stop there, usually, the cause of sciatica, arm or leg pain is multifaceted.
We will also examine the rest of your spine and body to see if it’s contributing and look at your lifestyle for what might have caused the imbalance in the first place.
We help you focus on making supportive changes that can include movement, posture, nourishment and restoration.
The evidence behind our care
We base our approach on current clinical guidelines and peer-reviewed research to ensure you're getting the safest, most effective care possible.
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(1)Fernandez, M., Moore, C., Peng, W. et al. The profile of chiropractors managing patients with low back-related leg pain: analyses of 1907 chiropractors from the ACORN practice-based research network. Chiropr Man Therap 27, 19 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-019-0239-x
(2)Christensen, K. D., & Buswell, K. (2008). Chiropractic outcomes managing radiculopathy in a hospital setting: a retrospective review of 162 patients. Journal of chiropractic medicine, 7(3), 115–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2008.05.001
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