Sciatica is one of the most talked-about types of nerve pain—and for good reason. It’s not just about discomfort in your back; it’s often a shooting, radiating pain that travels through your lower back, buttocks, and legs. It can disrupt your sleep, your job, and your ability to enjoy daily life.
If you’re asking, “Can a chiropractor make sciatica worse?” you’re not alone. Many people exploring options for relief are cautious—and rightfully so. Before we dive in, you might want to return to our expert sciatica treatment page for a more complete overview or visit our home page to learn more about Dr. Serena Salerno chiropractic philosophy.
How Chiropractors Approach Sciatica Relief
Chiropractors, like Dr. Serena Salerno, focus on addressing the root causes of nerve compression—often misaligned vertebrae or tight muscles that are placing excess pressure on the sciatic nerve. These misalignments can result from poor posture, stress, or repetitive motion over time.
Through gentle, targeted spinal adjustments, chiropractic care aims to relieve that nerve pressure—often without drugs or surgery. Dr. Serena Salerno uses a patient-first approach, customizing every session to match your body’s needs and your comfort level. This individualized care is what helps many patients begin to feel relief safely and effectively.
Can It Actually Get Worse After a Chiropractic Visit?
It’s a fair question—and one that deserves an honest answer. Some patients might feel increased sensitivity or mild soreness following their first few chiropractic sessions. This is typically a sign that the body is adjusting to improved alignment and not an indication of harm.
In fact, when performed correctly by a skilled professional like Dr. Serena Salerno, chiropractic care rarely worsens sciatica. Most complications arise from improper technique or lack of a thorough evaluation—neither of which occur at our Deer Park office. Here, patient safety, clarity, and comfort always come first.
When to Be Cautious with Chiropractic Care
While chiropractic care is generally safe, there are specific scenarios where extra caution is advised. For example, if your sciatica stems from a more serious condition—like a spinal infection, fracture, or advanced degenerative disease—chiropractic adjustments might not be appropriate until further medical evaluation is done.
At Dr. Serena Salerno’s office, your journey always begins with a thorough consultation and health history review. If red flags are present, she may recommend imaging or refer you to another healthcare provider. This ensures that your care plan is not only effective, but safe from the very beginning.
How to Ensure a Safe Chiropractic Experience
A key part of avoiding complications is choosing a chiropractor who listens, explains, and adjusts based on your specific needs. Dr. Serena Salerno doesn’t rush treatments or make assumptions. Instead, she uses a personalized, step-by-step approach to spinal care. This includes postural analysis, muscle testing, and gentle techniques designed to ease into alignment, not force it.
Communication is essential. If you ever feel discomfort or have concerns during a session, it’s important to speak up. At our Deer Park office, your feedback is welcomed and valued every step of the way. We adjust our techniques based on your comfort level and how your body responds.
What to Expect at Dr. Salerno’s Office
From the moment you walk in, the focus is on comfort, education, and results. You won’t just receive care—you’ll understand it. During your initial visit, Dr. Serena Salerno will explain how sciatica forms, how your spine is involved, and what specific steps will be taken to relieve pressure on your sciatic nerve.
Many patients begin to notice improvement within just a few sessions. Whether you’re dealing with sharp lower back pain or leg discomfort that makes walking hard, chiropractic care tailored to your condition can help you move more freely—and confidently—again.
Common Misconceptions About Sciatica and Chiropractic Care
One of the biggest myths out there is that chiropractic care might “crack something the wrong way” and make sciatica worse. In reality, licensed chiropractors are trained to use techniques that are safe, gentle, and customized to your unique spinal condition. Adjustments are never done blindly.
Another misconception is that chiropractic care is a quick fix. While some patients experience rapid relief, true healing—especially for nerve-related issues like sciatica—takes time and consistency. At our Deer Park office, we focus on setting realistic expectations and working toward long-term results, not temporary Band-Aids.
Real Patient Experiences and Outcomes
Many patients who walked through our doors with pain radiating down their legs have now returned to enjoying walks, workouts, and better sleep. One common theme we hear: “I wish I had come sooner.” What sets Dr. Serena Salerno’s approach apart is the balance between technical precision and compassionate care.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a professional on your feet all day, or someone who’s been living with nerve pain for too long, personalized chiropractic care can help you reclaim the parts of life sciatica has taken away.
Final Thoughts & Encouragement
If you’ve been asking, “Can a chiropractor make sciatica worse?”—it’s clear you’re taking your health seriously. That’s a great first step. And when care is guided by experience, clinical skill, and real attention to your body’s signals, the risk of complications is low—and the potential for relief is high.
Dr. Serena Salerno is here to walk you through every part of the process, from initial evaluation to long-term wellness. You’re never just a number in our office—you’re a person, with a story and goals we’re committed to helping you reach.
Contact us today for your wellness chiropractic consultation
Visit our office at 21805 W. Field Parkway, Suite 120, Deer Park, IL 60010
Call: 224-848-6003