Can a Chiropractor Help With Leg Pain?

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is general in nature and based on publicly available sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Leg pain is a widespread issue in Australia, often linked to nerve irritation, spinal conditions or joint dysfunction. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reports that musculoskeletal conditions, including back and limb or leg pain, were among the top five causes of total disease burden in 2022. While leg pain can stem from many sources, it’s frequently related to spinal problems, such as sciatica or disc herniation, which may benefit from manual therapy.

So, can a chiropractor help with leg pain? In certain cases, yes. Evidence suggests that spinal manipulation may be effective in treating lumbar radiculopathy, a condition that causes leg pain. A 2010 systematic review found moderate-quality evidence supporting spinal manipulation for acute lumbar radiculopathy (radiating leg pain), while noting low-quality evidence for chronic symptoms.

In this article, we’ll explore the most common causes of leg pain, how it affects daily life and when chiropractic care may be a suitable treatment option.

Common Causes of Leg Pain

Leg pain can stem from multiple sources and vary from mild discomfort to disabling pain.

Sciatica

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed, often by a herniated disc or spinal misalignment. This can cause shooting pain down the leg, numbness or tingling. According to research, the lifetime incidence of sciatica is around 13% to 40%.

Nerve Compression

Nerve compression in the lumbar spine or pelvic area can cause pain, weakness or altered sensation in the leg. It’s a common source of chronic leg discomfort and may not always be caused by trauma.

Muscle Strain

Overuse or sudden exertion can lead to muscle strains, especially in the hamstrings, calves or quadriceps. These strains are common in athletes and active individuals and are typically managed with rest, ice and movement therapy.

Joint Misalignment

Misaligned joints in the pelvis, knees or spine can alter gait and create pressure points, potentially leading to referred leg pain. This can also contribute to joint wear over time.

Poor Posture

Prolonged sitting, poor workplace ergonomics and imbalanced movement patterns may lead to postural issues. These can stress the spine and hips, indirectly causing leg pain or discomfort.

Spinal Disc Problems

Degenerative disc disease or herniated discs may irritate nerves and cause pain radiating into the legs. A report highlighted spinal conditions as a leading contributor to global disability.

Injury or Overuse

Repetitive motion, trauma or overtraining can strain tissues in the lower limbs, especially in physically demanding jobs or sports. This often presents with localised pain and limited mobility.

Why Leg Pain Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Leg pain can have far-reaching effects on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

• Limits Daily Movement: Even mild leg pain can restrict everyday tasks like climbing stairs or walking short distances, especially in older adults.
• Affects the Ability to Walk or Stand: Persistent discomfort can interfere with basic mobility, sometimes requiring walking aids or support.
• Reduces Work Productivity: Research notes that musculoskeletal pain is a common cause of reduced work participation, especially in physically demanding roles.
• Causes Sleep Problems: Night-time leg pain or cramps can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and reduced resilience during the day.
• Leads to Muscle Weakness Over Time: Avoiding movement due to pain may result in muscle deconditioning, which increases fall risk and delays recovery.
• Increases the Risk of Falls: A 2023 study found that leg pain and weakness significantly increased fall risk among older adults.
• Affects Mood and Mental Health: Chronic pain has been linked with increased rates of anxiety and depression, especially when daily activities are impacted.
• May Cause Dependency on Pain Medication: Over-reliance on over-the-counter or prescription pain relief can lead to unwanted side effects or long-term dependency.
• Interrupts Exercise or Physical Activity: Many people reduce or avoid exercise due to leg pain, which may worsen overall health over time.
• Lowers the Overall Quality of Life: Chronic or recurrent leg pain can make it difficult to enjoy social, recreational and family activities.

When to See a Chiropractor for Leg Pain

While not all leg pain is suited to chiropractic care, certain signs suggest it may be time to consult a chiropractor:

• Pain that doesn’t improve with rest: If rest, stretching or over-the-counter pain relief don’t help.
• Numbness or weakness in the leg: This may point to nerve involvement.
• Discomfort that spreads from the lower back: This is a sign that spinal issues may be involved.
• Trouble walking or standing: This is especially concerning if it worsens over time and may indicate an underlying spinal or nerve issue.
• Wanting a non-invasive treatment option: Chiropractic care is generally drug-free and non-surgical.It’s important to seek a proper diagnosis first. Chiropractors often collaborate with GPs or specialists to rule out serious underlying conditions.

How Chiropractors Help With Leg Pain

Chiropractors use a variety of techniques tailored to the underlying cause of pain.

Spinal Adjustments to Relieve Pressure

Spinal adjustments, a key chiropractic technique, aim to improve spinal alignment and reduce nerve compression that may be contributing to leg pain. A narrative review highlighted that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), the primary intervention used by chiropractors, is recommended in clinical guidelines as a frontline or adjunct treatment for non-specific spine pain.

Manual Therapy for Tight Muscles

Leg pain can also stem from muscle imbalances or tension in the lower back, hips or thighs, which chiropractors address using manual therapy techniques. Techniques, such as soft tissue mobilisation and trigger point therapy, can help relax overactive muscles and break down adhesions that limit mobility. A study noted that manual therapy, when applied by chiropractors, may effectively reduce pain and improve function in patients with lumbar radiculopathy, a common source of leg discomfort.

Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

Chiropractors often prescribe therapeutic exercises to support leg and lower back rehabilitation. These targeted routines help stabilise the spine and hips, correct muscle imbalances, and reduce nerve irritation that may cause radiating leg pain. Exercise-based approaches like flexion-biased movements and walking programs have also been shown to improve pain and disability in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Chiropractors may incorporate similar strategies as part of a conservative care plan.

Posture Correction

Chiropractors assess postural habits and use corrective exercises or ergonomic recommendations to reduce strain on the spine. According to findings, postural interventions from musculoskeletal practitioners, including chiropractors, may reduce lower back-related leg pain and improve functional outcomes.

Use of Tools Like Ultrasound or Muscle Stimulation

Chiropractors may incorporate adjunct therapies, such as therapeutic ultrasound or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), to support healing. These non-invasive tools are commonly used to reduce inflammation, ease muscle tension and manage nerve-related leg pain.One clinical study found that combining TENS with other non-surgical therapies significantly reduced neuropathic leg pain and improved daily function in patients with lumbar disc herniation and radiculopathy. While not conducted exclusively in chiropractic settings, the findings highlight how such technologies, also used by chiropractors, can support conservative care plans.

Advice on Movement, Rest and Support

Leg pain can worsen with incorrect movement patterns, poor footwear or prolonged sitting. Chiropractors often guide patients on safe ways to move, appropriate periods of rest and supportive devices like orthotics or lumbar cushions to reduce strain. Chiropractic patients value and benefit from this personalised lifestyle and ergonomic advice, especially when managing chronic pain conditions like sciatica.

Leg Conditions That May Benefit From Chiropractic Care

While not all leg conditions fall within a chiropractor’s scope, chiropractic care may assist with certain musculoskeletal or nerve-related concerns, such as:

• Sciatica
• Herniated discs
• Piriformis syndrome
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Spinal misalignment
• Nerve impingementThese conditions often involve the spine or pelvic joints and may respond well to chiropractic techniques, provided there is no serious underlying pathology.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Research supports several potential benefits of chiropractic care for musculoskeletal conditions:

• Reduced pain and inflammation: Especially for nerve-related or mechanical pain
• Better mobility: Through improved alignment and muscle balance
• Improved nerve function: Relieving pressure on irritated nerves
• Faster healing without medication: Non-invasive support may help reduce reliance on pharmaceuticals
• Less chance of recurring pain: Education and preventive care may reduce flare-upsWhile chiropractic care may not be suitable for all types of leg pain, it can form a valuable part of a multidisciplinary approach to care.

Wrapping Up

Leg pain can significantly affect quality of life, especially when related to nerve compression, poor posture or spinal problems. Chiropractors may help manage certain types of leg pain through non-invasive techniques, particularly when it stems from musculoskeletal imbalances.

If you’re experiencing persistent leg pain, consult your GP or a registered chiropractor to explore the most appropriate care path based on your diagnosis. Early assessment and targeted treatment can help you return to comfortable, confident movement sooner.

Ready to Find Relief from Leg Pain?

Don’t let leg pain slow you down. At Goto Health, our experienced chiropractors use evidence-based techniques to help identify the root cause of your discomfort and create a personalised treatment plan just for you. Whether it’s sciatica, muscle tension or posture-related strain, we’re here to support your recovery every step of the way.Book your consultation today and take the first step towards feeling better, moving freely and living pain-free.