Sciatica and Chiropractic Treatment
Two sciatic nerves, one on each side of the body, run from your spine through your buttocks and hips and down into the back of your legs. Sciatica nerves are the longest nerves in your body.
Sciatica nerve pain can be caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve from a number of reasons or conditions: herniated disc; osteoarthritis; poor posture; wearing high heels; obesity; sleeping on a soft mattress; muscle strain or spasm; sitting in a vehicle for extended periods of time; occupation; falls; motor vehicle accidents; aging; diabetes.
Sciatica nerve pain commonly begins in your lower back and travels down your buttock and leg. Sciatica pain usually is only on one side of your body. The pain can range from intense with shooting, burning, sharp or dull to numbness and weakness in your leg. Sneezing, coughing, bending and lifting can worsen sciatic pain.
Sciatica is diagnosed through a physical examination, and an x-ray, CT scan or MRI if necessary.
Sciatica nerve treatment is by conservative methods, unless you lose feeling or movement in your leg or bladder and bowel control. In these cases, surgery might be needed.
For the vast majority of sciatica nerve pain, however, sciatica relief can be obtained by treating symptoms and the source of the cause of the sciatica pain, such as a slipped disc.
A chiropractor will perform a complete examination, including checking your muscle responses and reflexes, in order to locate the cause of the sciatica pain. He or she will discuss the findings with you and advise you on sciatica relief treatment.
Sciatica nerve treatment can consist of the following:
- Cold packs to reduce inflammation
- Heat packs to control acute pain
- Ultrasound which increases circulation and decreases symptoms by sound waves that saturate your tissues
- Electrical nerve stimulation to control pain and muscle spasms
- Spinal manipulation to improve functioning and control pain
- Exercises to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles
- Stretches to limber up movement of your spine
Spinal manipulations can be done by the chiropractor in a number of ways and positions. Some adjustments may be quick movements, while others may be of a lesser force.
Studies show spinal manipulation may be effective in controlling pain and aid recovery from sciatica nerve pain.
It is important to know that each case of sciatica nerve pain must be treated on an individual basis. What works for one patient may not work for another. Another crucial factor is exercise.
If you believe you suffer from sciatica nerve pain, it is recommended that you do not wait until the pain becomes too intense to bear before seeking treatment. It is best to seek health care immediately.
If, after several weeks of sciatica nerve treatment without significant sciatica relief, your chiropractor feels you need more aggressive treatment, he or she will refer to another health professional.
