Clinically reviewed by Dr. Seth Hill, DC, President, Auto Injury Chiropractic. Last reviewed October 2026.

Sciatica is pain that travels from the low back into the hip and leg, often from an irritated nerve root. A chiropractor examines you to find the source, then combines adjustments, soft-tissue work and rehab exercises without drugs or surgery. After a car accident, Oregon PIP usually covers the care.

Chiropractor performing a lumbar adjustment to relieve sciatica

What sciatica is

Sciatica is pain along the sciatic nerve, the large nerve that runs from your lower back through the hips and down each leg. It is usually a symptom of an underlying problem, such as a herniated or bulging disc, spinal misalignment, or muscle compression pressing on the nerve. Common signs are sharp or burning pain down one leg, numbness or tingling, and weakness.

How a chiropractor helps

Chiropractic care treats the cause of the nerve pressure, not just the pain. After an exam, and imaging when needed, care usually combines spinal adjustments, including flexion distraction (a gentle adjustment on a moving table), traction when your exam supports it, soft-tissue and massage therapy, and exercises your provider prescribes. In one trial, adding spinal manipulation to home exercise and advice eased back-related leg pain more than exercise and advice alone at 12 weeks (Bronfort et al., 2014).² It is conservative and drug-free.¹

Sciatica after a car accident

A crash can herniate a disc or jar the spine and trigger sciatica that may not appear until days later. If your sciatica followed an accident, get evaluated promptly. In Oregon, your PIP coverage typically covers reasonable and necessary care after a crash.

What to expect

We start with an exam to find the source, build a plan around it, and adjust the plan as you improve. Related problems, such as a pinched nerve in the neck or back strain, are treated at the same time.

Care at all three clinics

We offer same-day appointments in Oregon City, Milwaukie, and Troutdale, with licensed massage therapists on staff. After a car accident in Oregon, your PIP coverage typically covers reasonable and necessary care. We bill your PIP claim directly and verify your coverage before your first visit. Book a visit and we will get you in.

Common questions

Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?

Yes. Chiropractic care treats the cause of the nerve pressure without drugs or surgery.

How long does treatment take?

It depends on the cause and how you respond. Active care usually runs up to 12 weeks, starting at 2 to 3 visits a week and tapering as you improve. After a car accident, plan on about 8 to 12 weeks; complex cases can take longer. Re-exams show when you’re ready to step down.

Is accident-related sciatica covered?

Oregon PIP typically covers reasonable and necessary care after a crash. We bill your PIP claim directly and verify your coverage before your first visit.

References

Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA. Noninvasive treatments for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2017;166(7):514-530. doi:10.7326/M16-2367. PMID 28192789.
Bronfort G, Hondras MA, Schulz CA, Evans RL, Long CR, Grimm R. Spinal manipulation and home exercise with advice for subacute and chronic back-related leg pain: a trial with adaptive allocation. Ann Intern Med. 2014;161(6):381-391. doi:10.7326/M14-0006. PMID 25222385.

Auto Injury Chiropractic