Has anyone ever told you that you have sciatica? Sciatica means irritation of the sciatic nerve. If you are experiencing sharp pain from the lower back down to the legs, you probably suffer from sciatica pain. The most common cause of sciatica is a bulging or herniated disc in the back that causes pressure on one of the lumbar nerve roots which form the sciatic nerve. It leads to lower back pain that radiates down the back of the leg making it difficult to stand.
Other common causes of sciatica
· Spondylolisthesis (a condition in which one vertebra slips frontward over another one · Pregnancy that can add a severe strain on the spine · Narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back is called spinal stenosis · Tightened muscles including the Piriformis muscle · Excess weight, high heels, and no exercising can also initiate sciatica
Some of the common symptoms observed in sciatica pain include
· Pain down the back of the leg that gets worse while sitting · Tingling and burning sensation down the legs · Numbness, or difficulty in moving leg and foot · Shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up
In sciatica, the pain can be felt in the lower back all the way through the back of the thigh down through the foot.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help?
There are various possibilities that can cause sciatica, which is why correct diagnosis and treatment are very important to reduce the pain and treat the underlying cause. Chiropractors perform multiple tests, exams, and even diagnostic imaging such as MRI or CT scans to diagnose sciatica. The tests provide detailed information about the body and help them understand the cause of compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve.
Visiting a chiropractor when you are suffering from sciatic pain helps you identify its root cause. Then, depending upon the results, the chiropractor can create a modified plan that integrates different therapeutic modalities for optimal results.Chiropractic treatment helps the body heal itself with drug-free treatment.
Some of the common treatments that chiropractors may suggest for sciatica pain include:
Theraputic Massage Therapy
Chiropractic massage therapy is an intensive way of relieving pain. It indicates muscle relaxation and releases endorphins that act as a natural painkiller. Compared to regular spa massage, which releases sore muscles and tension, chiropractic massage is directed towards healing the cause of the sciatica.
Chiropractors can also apply spinal manipulations to allow the herniated disc to revert back into central position and take pressure off of the sciatic nerve. The adjustments are very helpful in restoring misaligned vertebrae and it frees up the limited spinal movement.
Chiropractic Adjustments
The chiropractors can also apply spinal manipulations to allow the herniated disc to rest back into the position and work to pressure the sciatic nerve. The adjustments are very helpful in restoring misaligned vertebral discs, and it frees the limited spinal movement.
Techniques like high-velocity thrust and gentle pressure allow the chiropractor to move the vertebrae in the lower back to avoid pressure on the sciatic nerve. Chiropractor also eases muscle spasms through manipulations that help in long-term relief.
Spinal Decompression
The discs in your spine can dry out and become thinner, resulting in a pinched spinal nerve. In this case, a chiropractor implies spinal decompression to relieve the compression of the nerve that is causing sciatica.
Other than these, some chiropractic exercises can also help to relieve sciatic pain. The experts can also look into all aspects of your life and give suggestions on lifestyle changes and prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the back muscles and stabilize the disc.
Sciatic pain can be devastating, and there is no need to tolerate it. With a proper diagnosis, you can get relief with a chiropractic treatment plan, and you can get back to enjoying your life.