Chiropractic doesn't cure everything. Then again, long-term conditions don't have quick fixes. So I think it's reasonable to try chiropractic if it seems like it might help. But if after a reasonable time period (say, 3 months) there is little or no improvement, then it's time to re-evaluate, and probably move on.

Joda,
Sorry to hear you are not getting any relief. Not to say chiropractic doesn't work though. Chiropractic always works. What do I mean?

The nerve sytem sends many nerves down into the low back and legs. Nerves control the colon, the reporductive organs, the kidneys, the rectum, the prostate, the ovaries/uterus the muscles of the trunk and pelvis and legs. If any chiropractor makes an adjustment to this area then ANY of these areas will be affected. I question whether your body has made the sciatica a priority in terms of healing. Chiropractors are not trying to treat anything. There are many other professions that treat symptoms, sickness and disease out there. Chiropractic (in most offices) focuses on the removal of interference in the nerve system to allow for the fullest expression of life. The question does remain if you are seeing the right chiropractor though. Or if you are being honest with us. Are you only going when you have a pain? Are you being consistent? Are you following recommendations? Are you going every once in a while or are you on a properly monitored care plan that takes you from the point you are at to the best you can be? Check out this site to find a Chiropractor in your area who is highly trained in the most advanced techniques in chiropractic.

Often a problem like sciatica can be caused by many other repetitive problems like crossing the legs, sleeping awkwardly, sitting on a wallet, sitting in soft chairs etc. Also, if your spine has not been taken care of, the damage in it may be so severe that it may take months or a couple of years to progress back to a stable position.

If you need any help or questions answered, I am here to help,
Dr Craig.

Unfortunately, that is not true. There is countless peer-reviewed journal articles out there showing the effectiveness and safety of Chiropractic care. Now, in order to perform a double-blind controlled research study is difficult since it is difficult to do a 'sham' adjustment. Meaning - put your hands on someone and not deliver an adjustment. What we now understand about human touch is difficult to ascertain its far reaching ramifications.
Here are just a few areas online that provide terrific research, that supports the concept of subluxation.
http://www.icpa4kids.org (International Chiropractic Pediatrics Association)
http://www.drnima.com/research.pdf (Outstanding compilation of research articles pertaining to chiropractic issues)
http://www.chiro.org
http://www.jvsr.com (Peer-reviewed articles frequently published in Annals of Medicine and BMJ)

Have a read. You will find that Chiropractors are MUCH MORE than back doctors.
God Bless,
Haze

"I've been seeing a chiropractor for 30 years and have always felt better after a treatment and never worse. "

That may be your observation. Patients who receive massage therapy also "feel good"
after treatment. The problem is the lack of evidence that it treats almost every ailment (diabetes, ear infections etc) that is commonly claimed.
and of course, many others DO NOT perceive any benefit

"The reason why chiropractic will always be around and have loyal patients is because it works...that simple."

Actually, it's obviously not that simple - or it wouldn't be so controversial, lacking in definiton of what Chiropractic is, it's scope of practise and treatment, etc.....