Sciatica is a painful condition that affects the person’s legs. It is characterized by leg pain that shoots down the leg, radiates along the back of the thigh, and can also travel into the piriformis muscle or buttocks. The discomfort can be so severe that it makes it difficult for the person to lie down or stand up. Sciatica is caused by any nerve that is compressed or irritated. This can be due to either a minor or a serious condition. When it is caused by a minor condition, it is referred to as sciatica. When it is caused by a serious condition, it is referred to as radiculopathy. The purpose of chiropractic treatment is to help the body's potential to heal itself. It is based on the scientific principle that restricted spinal movement leads to pain and reduced function and performance. The area that is affected by sciatica varies from person to person. Some may feel shooting pain down their leg, while others may feel the pain in their lower spine or buttocks. It can affect people of any age but is most common in people who are over 30 years of age. Sciatica can develop after a sports injury, spinal surgery, automobile accident, wearing high heels, or simply from everyday activities. If pain persists even after the condition that caused it has healed, a patient may have sciatica. Sciatic nerve pain is caused by several different things. It can be due to an injury, illnesses, or even chronic conditions. While there are many ways to ease the pain, chiropractic treatment can help to alleviate the condition. Chiropractic treatments include: In some cases, chiropractic care can help relieve sciatica symptoms in just one visit. Patients who have been suffering from sciatica for months may need multiple visits before they too experience relief from their symptoms. A chiropractic adjustment is the most common form of treatment for sciatica pain. The doctor or the physical therapists will use their hands' joints and spinal manipulation to release pressure on the spinal cord or spinal column, which can relieve pain. The patient must lie face down on a table that allows the chiropractor access to their spine. Most adjustments are administered by reaching around from behind a patient and holding them securely with one arm while manipulating the spine with the other hand. Other methods include manipulation through a thrusting motion or adjustment through twisting or gentle rocking motions of the lower body. Occasionally, a chiropractor may use an instrument called an activator to make a joint move without forcing it like they would with their hands. There are different types of chiropractic adjustments that can be used for sciatica. The three most common types of adjustments include: The adjustment type that a doctor would use depends on the condition and severity of the patient's sciatica. These three adjustments are all effective in treating sciatica, but they each work in different ways. The Thompson technique is a type of chiropractic adjustment that uses the fingers to apply pressure to the spinal joints and herniated disc. It is a less invasive option and doesn’t require surgery or anesthesia. A considerable number of people who have had this procedure say they feel immediate relief after it is completed. Nonsurgical procedures are another type of chiropractic adjustment that can be used to treat sciatica. The procedure requires an injection into a particular spot where there is pressure on the nerve root coming from your spine. This injection contains a numbing agent that reduces any pain and discomfort caused by the nerve root being compressed or irritated. This injection may be done at the same time as other therapies, such as physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. The effect usually lasts for about six months when done under the care of a doctor experienced in spinal injections. A chiropractic adjustment can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the severity of the condition and how many adjustments are needed. The process begins with a consultation to assess the patient's medical history and condition. Afterward, they may be asked to remove their clothing and lie down on a treatment table. The chiropractor then places his palms on the patient's back or neck and provides pressure on the sciatic or where it is needed. Some joints may also be adjusted with a quick twist or turn. After the needling is completed, you will be asked to wait for 10-15 minutes before getting up. It is important not to move too quickly after an adjustment as you could disrupt the alignment of your spine. You should also avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and sexual activity for a period of time following an adjustment as these activities can cause pain in your lower back or other parts of your body that were not specifically adjusted by the chiropractor. Patients who have sciatica should see a chiropractor at least once a month to ensure the pain does not get any worse. This helps prevent the condition from worsening and also reduces the tension on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica treatment by a chiropractor is usually done with spinal adjustments, traction, massage therapy, and exercises designed to strengthen abdominal and back muscles. The treatments will vary depending on the severity of each case, but most patients are usually able to feel better after a few sessions. The following are some of the symptoms that can be attributed to sciatica: The best way to treat sciatica is by identifying the cause of it. If it's caused by a minor condition, your doctor may prescribe pain medications, massage therapy, or recommend that you do a physical therapy program. If the cause is more serious, like a tumor or inflammation in the spinal cord, your doctor may recommend surgery. The cause of sciatica is usually not serious and can be due to several conditions. These causes may include : If you suffer from sciatica pain, you must get treatment for the underlying condition. For example, if you have a spinal or disc problem, then your chiropractor will assess to find the root cause. They'll also help identify any other factors that may be contributing to your pain. A chiropractic consultation will determine the severity of your sciatica and tailor a sciatica treatment plan just for you. This includes therapy in addition to spinal adjustments and deep tissue massage. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose problems using a physical examination. Once they've determined the specific cause of your pain, they can develop a personalized treatment plan that's designed just for you Cold Therapy is one of the most popular relief methods for sciatic nerve pain. The therapy can be done by either sitting in a bucket of ice water or with cold packs that are applied to the site of pain. Many people find relief from sciatica nerve pain when they go into a freezer, but this may not be possible for everyone. For these patients, cold packs are an excellent alternative method that still provides relief and helps soothe the pain. It can also ease inflammation and muscle spasms. Cold therapy can also reduce swelling in injured joints and muscles, as well as help reduce swelling in other areas such as the eyes or throat. The benefits of cold therapy are significant and it is an effective treatment for sciatica nerve pain. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is one of the most effective ways of sciatica relief. It is a painless and safe treatment that sends electrical impulses to the affected area, which in turn blocks the pain signals from reaching the brain. The electrical impulses are transmitted through electrodes attached to the skin, usually on both legs. The patient should feel a tingling sensation at first, but eventually, it will block out any pain signals being sent from the nerves to the brain. It usually takes three treatments for TENS unit therapy to work. If a person does not experience any relief within three treatments, other possible methods can be used for relief, like spinal injections or surgery. How you treat your sciatica will depend on the severity of the problem. If it is a minor problem, then you may only need to treat your pain with over-the-counter remedies such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. If the pain persists, you may need to see a doctor for more intense treatments like physical therapy or medication. If sciatica is caused by a serious condition, then surgery may be required to relieve the pressure on the nerve. If you have been experiencing this condition for an extended period, you must seek relief and treatment as quickly as possible. The longer you wait without treating your condition, the more likely it will be that your sciatica will become chronic. This means that there are long-term effects that might occur if left untreated. Sciatica can cause long-term neurological damage and other conditions if left untreated. For this reason, getting professional care at a chiropractic clinic is the best way to get relief from your painful symptoms. A chiropractor will evaluate the patient’s spine and posture to see if there is any misalignment that could be causing sciatica. If there is found to be a misalignment, the chiropractor will adjust it by twisting or popping the joints back into place. This will help make sure that the alignment of the spine is correct so that pressure on the nerve isn’t continued. In addition to adjustments, a chiropractor may also suggest that certain stretches or exercises should be done by the patient. These exercises need to be done regularly in order to maintain good health and avoid future injury. A chiropractor may also recommend other treatments like heat therapy and acupuncture so that symptoms can be relieved as quickly as possible. A chiropractor will examine the person and check for any misalignments or abnormalities that may be causing the pain. Once they have examined the patient, they will then use their knowledge of the spine and joints to adjust them. This provides relief by realigning the spine and removing pressure on the nerves that are causing distress. When a chiropractic adjustment is performed, there is often an immediate improvement in pain levels. It can also help with other symptoms like fatigue, numbness, or tingling in certain areas of the body. A visit to a chiropractor might also be recommended if you are experiencing sciatica because it is caused by an injury that hasn’t yet healed. A chiropractor can help with healing and assist in relieving symptoms until your condition has healed. Chiropractors will perform a thorough examination after the patient tells them about their symptoms. This includes taking a look at the patient’s spine and muscles to determine where the sciatica is coming from. A chiropractor will then use various techniques that combine minimal force and gentle pressure to reduce pressure on the nerve or bones that are causing pain. They may use spinal adjustments, massage therapy, or other techniques to help ease your pain. One of the best things about chiropractic care is that it is non-invasive and drug-free. The doctor will perform spinal manipulations by hand or with an instrument. The patient should experience immediate relief after the treatment. If there are no other underlying issues, the relief should last until their next visit to see a chiropractor. Chiropractic care is also very affordable and doesn’t require expensive medical treatments or surgery. It is a great way to get some relief from sciatica and free from restricted movement without spending your entire paycheck on expensive treatments like surgery. Most people find that once they start seeing a chiropractor for their sciatica, they don't need to see them as often as you would go see your family doctor, just every few weeks or months if necessary. The goal of chiropractic care is to diagnose the condition that caused sciatica and alleviate the symptoms. As sciatica is caused by a nerve being compressed, chiropractors will look for abnormalities in the spine to see if they can find out what caused the compression. They may also use diagnostic testing such as CT scans or x-rays if needed. Chiropractors are trained to perform adjustments on the spine to free up any pinched nerves that may be causing pain. This will allow them to have better mobility and less pain. Once these adjustments have been made, they may give you exercises and stretches that you can do as part of your treatment plan. If you are experiencing discomfort in other areas of your body, such as your hips or neck, they may also treat those areas at no extra cost. The following are some of the best exercises for sciatica relief: If you experience sciatica, there are some things you can do at home to help relieve the discomfort and to avoid making your pain worse. Several exercises can help people relieve sciatica. The best time to do these is in the morning or evening and they should not be done too close to bedtime for fear of disrupting your sleep. If you have been experiencing sciatica, it’s important to find a chiropractor who specializes in treating this condition. Not all chiropractors are qualified to work with people who have sciatica, so it’s important to find one who is experienced in the field. As with any type of treatment for pain relief, there are risks and benefits associated with chiropractic treatments for sciatica. Remember that, when combined with other forms of treatment such as medication or physical therapy, chiropractic treatment can help reduce or eliminate your symptoms and provide you with long-term relief.
What is Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica?
What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Types of Chiropractic Adjustments for Sciatic pain
How long does a Chiropractic Adjustment take?
How Often Should you see a Chiropractor for Sciatica?
Learn the Symptoms of Sciatica
Identify the Cause of Your Sciatica
Remove the Cause of Your Sciatica
Plan an Effective Treatment Strategy
Find a Chiropractor
What to Expect From a Chiropractor for Sciatica?
Chiropractic Care for Sciatica
How Does Chiropractic Care Work?
Sciatica Exercises for Relief
Home Treatment for Sciatica Nerve Pain
Sciatica Exercises for Relief
Final Thoughts