How a Chiropractor Can Help With Sciatica

The American Chiropractic Association describes sciatica as an incessant pain along your sciatic nerve that runs through your buttocks and hips, then down to your lower leg and feet. Sciatica is a common type of low-back pain in individuals between 30 and 50 years of age. It usually surfaces because of wear and tear. While most people seek pain medication for relief, others want a natural means of comfort in the form of chiropractic care. If you want to understand how a chiropractor can help with sciatica, here’s what you need to know.

 

Correct Diagnosis

In chiropractic care, a decrease in function and the presence of pain results from the inability of your spine to move easily. On your first visit due to sciatic pain, your chiropractor will review your medical history to see what causes your discomfort. In finding out the root cause of your low-back pain, your chiropractor can determine if the pain you have is really sciatic pain.

 

Cold and Heat Therapies

In targeting sciatica, chiropractors alternate cold therapy with heat therapy. This form of treatment relieves your pain quickly. Cold therapy slows down your blood flow and eases inflammation, while heat therapy relieves your muscle tightness. Your chiropractor will know how often these therapies should alternate.

 

Spinal Adjustments

Eliminating pressure from your sciatic nerve is the focus of your chiropractor during spinal adjustments. During the treatment, your chiropractic care provider will reposition your herniated spinal disc. As the vertebral discs realign, your spinal movement loosens, and your pain dissipates. Spinal adjustments vary. Your chiropractor can give either abrupt, high-velocity thrusts or gentle, minimal force to your affected area.

 

Massage Therapy

Your chiropractor can also use a special type of massage to relieve your sciatic pain. Chiropractic massage can release endorphins in your brain to relieve your discomfort. It can also trigger deep muscle relaxation. Chiropractic massage aims to soothe and heal your sciatica.

Spinal Decompression

In some cases, the spine thins and dries out naturally. This leads to spinal compression and nerve pinching. Your chiropractor can decompress your spine to release the pinched nerves that cause your sciatica.

 

Chiropractic Exercises

Your chiropractor can recommend proper exercises that can help release pressure from your tight muscles. The movements will also avoid the irritation of your sciatic nerve. You may perform certain stretches or even yoga. Positions, such as the reclining pigeon (yoga), can remove the pressure on your sciatic nerve and then stretch out your piriformis muscle.

 

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

Your chiropractic can also use TENS. This method works with a portable, battery-powered box that provides electrical currents to reduce muscle spasms and control pain.

Lifestyle Changes

Your chiropractor may also recommend a new way for you to lift, stand, sleep, or sit to protect your sciatic nerve. The changes can help strengthen your back, which results in keeping your vertebral discs in place.


 

Chiropractic care can help you achieve short-term and long-term relief of your sciatic pain. At East Bank Wellness, we can help treat your sciatica safely and naturally. Please visit our clinic in Chicago, Illinois, for a one-on-one consultation. You can also contact us by dialing 312-832-9700 if you want to set an appointment or inquire about our chiropractic approach to sciatica.