Top 5 Causes Of Sciatic Pain & How To Successfully Treat It In Traverse City MI

40% of people suffer from sciatic pain (known as sciatica) in their lifetime. That is 2 out of every 5 people! Many of our patients wonder, "How does this happen?" At Shift Health Center, we see patients struggling with sciatic pain on a daily basis. After treating thousands of them, we know what the common causes are and how we can treat it. Contact our Traverse City MI chiropractic clinic today to learn more.

Cause 1: Spinal Disc Herniation

A disc herniation occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a spinal disc pushes through the tougher outer layer. This can compress nearby nerves, causing sharp pain, numbness, and muscle spasms that often travel down the leg—classic symptoms of sciatica.

Cause 2: Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which houses the spinal cord. This condition can be congenital or the result of age-related degeneration. When the spinal canal narrows, it puts pressure on the spinal nerves, including the sciatic nerve. In Traverse City’s aging population, we often see spinal stenosis linked to chronic, progressive sciatica.

Cause 3: Degenerative Disc Disease

This condition involves the wear and tear of spinal discs due to age, injuries, or poor posture. When discs lose height and hydration, they can collapse and irritate or compress nerves. Poor biomechanics and lack of spinal maintenance are often to blame, leading to structural instability and chronic sciatic symptoms.

Cause 4: Spondylolisthesis

This occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one beneath it. This slippage can narrow the spinal canal or foramina, pinching the sciatic nerve and causing pain that radiates into the buttocks and legs. We identify this condition through specialized spinal x-rays right here at Shift Health Center.

Cause 5: Piriformis Syndrome

Unlike the spinal causes, piriformis syndrome originates in the glutes. In some people, the sciatic nerve passes through or very close to the piriformis muscle. When this muscle spasms or becomes inflamed, it can compress the sciatic nerve, causing pain. Piriformis syndrome is common in runners, cyclists, or people who sit for long periods.

Natural, Non-Invasive Sciatica Treatment Options in Traverse City MI

At Shift Health Center, we follow the SHIFT Framework to create comprehensive healing plans for our patients: Identifying the core dysfunction, Transforming damaged tissues, and Lifestyle optimization. Here’s how we apply that to sciatic pain:

1. Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP)
   Unlike standard chiropractic care, CBP is a research-based method that aims to restore your spine to its ideal shape and function. By correcting spinal alignment and improving posture, we reduce nerve irritation and promote long-term relief from sciatica. CBP is a cornerstone of care at our Traverse City clinic.
2. Piriformis Stretching and Mobility Work
   Targeted stretches can release tension in the piriformis muscle and relieve nerve pressure. A few effective stretches include:
   • Seated Piriformis Stretch: Sit with one ankle crossed over the opposite knee and gently lean forward.
   • Supine Figure 4 Stretch: Lying on your back, cross one ankle over the opposite knee and pull your legs toward your chest. These are simple but effective daily routines we teach our patients to reduce pain and prevent recurrence.
3. SoftWave Therapy
   SoftWave is an FDA-cleared regenerative treatment that uses electrohydraulic supersonic acoustic waves to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and stimulate tissue repair. This non-invasive therapy helps heal the root cause of sciatica without drugs or surgery.
4. Red Light Therapy
   Red light therapy penetrates deep into soft tissue to boost mitochondrial activity and reduce inflammation. It can help heal nerve irritation and muscle tightness contributing to sciatica, and many of our Traverse City patients report accelerated recovery with regular sessions.
5. Targeted Heat and Ice Therapy
   Alternating heat and ice helps manage acute flare-ups. Ice reduces inflammation and numbs the pain, while heat relaxes tight muscles and increases blood flow. We guide our patients on when and how to use each therapy for maximum benefit.

Final Thoughts

Sciatica doesn’t have to control your life. With the right diagnosis and a personalized, drug-free treatment plan, relief is possible. At Shift Health Center in Traverse City, we combine the latest technology with time-tested, non-invasive therapies to help our patients get back to doing what they love—pain-free.

If you’re ready to address your sciatic pain for good, schedule a consultation today and discover how the SHIFT method can change your life.