If you have sciatica, you understand how painful the condition can be. Shooting pains all throughout your lower back and legs can make the necessary tasks of daily life almost impossible. Whilst sciatica tends to gradually get better over time, you don’t need to wait around suffering – visiting a chiropractor can help relieve you of your pain and get your back in top condition as soon as possible.
But what can a chiropractor do for sciatica? Continue reading as we discuss some of the ways a trip to the chiro can help tackle the tricky symptoms of sciatica.
This blog details the different treatments a chiropractor can offer for people experiencing pain throughout the sciatic nerve. If you have sciatica and are ready to get back on your feet, contact Atlas Chiropractic today to book your appointment.
What is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, stretching from the lower back all the way down to the foot. When this nerve becomes compressed, a person may feel a type of piercing pain that shoots down the entire length of the nerve – this is sciatica. Typical symptoms of sciatica include burning sensations, leg pain (especially when sitting for long periods), difficulty moving the leg, numbness or weakness, and lower back pain.
There are a variety of factors that can lead to sciatica. The condition develops when pressure is placed on the sciatic nerve, and this can be caused by simple wear and tear from daily life, or other conditions such as spondylolisthesis, or from another injury altogether. It’s an incredibly common and painful condition, but there are certainly ways to treat sciatica and manage the difficult symptoms that come with the diagnosis.
Chiropractic Treatments
A chiropractor is an expert on the musculoskeletal structures and systems of the body, including the sciatic nerve. If you’re experiencing the sharp and severe pain associated with this condition, consulting a chiropractor can help you both manage the symptoms of sciatica as well as understand the disorder and its effect on the nervous system. Here is a quick rundown of several chiropractic treatments that can be applied to pain related to sciatica:
Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments can help to relieve pressure being placed on the sciatic nerve. By applying spinal manipulations, a chiro can help realign the structure of your back into the proper positioning and alignment needed to relieve pain. The gentle pressure and minimal force are quick and easy to undergo, and can massively improve function and mobility throughout the spine.
Exercises
Particular movements and positions can worsen pain throughout the sciatic nerve. A chiropractor understands what exercises should be avoided, and can recommend physical routines that will not only avoid aggravating the nerve further but also lessen the pressure being applied there. From stretches to workouts, a chiro can help you figure out what exercises are going to help release the pain you might be feeling from tight or inflamed muscles.
Lifestyle Changes
A chiropractor won’t just assess your body, but will take the time to ask you questions about your lifestyle and daily habits. Examining the way you stand, sleep, sit, and work can shed light on why you might be experiencing pain. A chiro can help recommend changes to your day-to-day life that will help you see positive improvement to your health and pain management in the long term.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Hot and cold therapy has been an effective technique used by chiropractors to provide quick pain relief for sciatica patients. Alternating between the two, chiros are able to use heat to relax tightened muscles and the cold to ease inflammation. Whether both therapies are right for you or whether one might be most effective, a chiro will evaluate your symptoms and come up with the right treatment plan for your body.
Book a Chiropractic Appointment Today
Sciatica can be uncomfortable and debilitating. But, chiropractic treatment can be a wonderfully effective option to manage your pain and make positive changes that will protect your body for years to come. If you’re struggling with the symptoms associated with sciatica, don’t put up with the pain for another day. The team at Atlas Chiropractic is ready to jump in and help find the perfect treatment method for you and your body. To start your journey back to health, reach out to Atlas Chiropractic today.