How a Chiropractor Can Treat Your Sciatic Pain

Sciatica is a type of lower back pain that is caused by irritation or compression to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve starts in the lower spine, and it extends down through the buttocks and into the lower leg. When a person is experiencing sciatic pain, it is typically a pain that starts in the lower back or buttocks and extends down through the leg. In some cases, the person may also have feelings of numbness and tingling associated with the sciatic nerve pain.

Lumbar disc herniation is one of the most common causes of sciatic pain, but it can be caused by anything that irritates the sciatic nerve. For most patients, the primary goal of treatment is going to be relieving pressure on the nerve. Since sciatic pain is something that usually starts at the spine, chiropractic care can be one of the most effective options for treating sciatica.

Spinal manipulation is one of the primary treatment options that a chiropractor will apply to sciatic nerve pain. With spinal manipulation, the chiropractor can restore the proper alignment to the lower spine, and this will relieve the pressure that causes sciatic nerve pain. Depending on the exact cause of the nerve pain and the degree to which the nerve is irritated, it could take several adjustments to completely resolve the issue. That said, many patients experience considerable relief from the first adjustment.

In addition to spinal manipulation, your chiropractor will probably offer other treatment options to address sciatic nerve pain. In combination with chiropractic adjustments, massage can be one of the more effective treatment options for relieving pressure and pain that is the result of sciatica. Additionally, treatments like ultrasound and heat/cold therapy can play a significant role in treating this type of lower back pain.

Most patients have a tendency to avoid physical activity when they have sciatic nerve pain. While this may help in the first few days after the pain begins, it is important to get enough exercise. You need to strengthen the back muscles that help to support the spine and perform stretches that will help to keep the body loose. For this reason, a chiropractor is also likely to recommend exercise as a part of your sciatica treatment plan.

The correct approach to treatment is going to vary depending on the individual. An experienced chiropractor will perform an examination and consider factors like the location of the pain, the severity of the pain, the additional symptoms that the patient may be experiencing and the patient’s response to different treatment options. In some cases, sciatic nerve pain can be treated in as little as a few weeks. If you are experiencing sciatic pain and would like us to help, please contact us today!