Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica Pain Sciatica is characterized by shooting pain caused by the irritation and compression of sciatic nerve, which branches from the lower back through your hips and buttocks and down to each leg. In addition to shooting pain and sometimes numbness in the affected leg, the symptoms of the condition include a tingling or burning sensation and cramping and weakness in the leg muscles. Typically, the condition affects only one side of the body and is one of the most common causes of low back and leg pain. In some cases, there could be pain in one part of leg and numbness in the other. The intensity of pain can vary widely from mild ache, to a sharp burning sensation or excruciating discomfort. Chiropractors treat sciatica. Chiropractic treatment is a hands-on approach which focuses taking the pressure off the sciatic nerve and easing pain so as that the lower buttock area and leg can function better.
Common Causes of Sciatica Leg Pain Sciatica is more common among people in the 30-50 year age group. Generally, it is caused by natural wear and tear of aging on the spine and sudden pressure on discs around the vertebrae cushion on the lower spine. Shifting, overgrowth or sudden movement of bone around the vertebrae is also another prominent cause of sciatica. It can also occur due to disc herniation. When a disc herniates, its gel-like center protrudes into or through its outer lining, and could press
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directly onto the sciatic nerve. Some of the other disorders known to cause this nerve compression include piriformis syndrome, trauma, osteoarthritis, stenosis, lumbar spine subluxations, pregnancy and childbirth, tumors and spondylolisthesis.
Importance of Proper Diagnosis of Sciatica As there are several factors that cause sciatica, the chiropractor needs to analyze the factors that cause the condition. The initial diagnosis is based on a thorough review of the patient’s medical history along with a detailed physical and neurological examination. Several diagnostic tests such as X-ray, CT scan and MRI scan or electro-diagnostic tests are conducted to detect possible contraindications to spinal adjustments and other chiropractic therapies. In addition, these tests can help determine the best approach for the treatment.
Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica Pain Management The main purpose of chiropractic treatment is to promote the body’s potential to heal itself. The various chiropractic treatment methods include
Ice/Cold therapy – cold packs reduce inflammation on sciatic nerve and help to control pain.
Ultrasound – gentle heat generated through sound waves penetrate deep into the tissue. This increases blood circulation in the area, reducing muscle spasms, cramping, swelling, stiffness and pain.
TENS unit (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) - uses low electrical currents to reduce muscle spasms and relax the muscles surrounding the nerve.
Spinal manipulation - this is the core of chiropractic treatment and corrects the alignment of spine and promotes the restoration of the misaligned vertebrae to the proper position within the body’s spinal column. Manipulation of the spine will help reduce nerve irritation including problems in the nerve that cause pain, spasm, inflammation, and other discomfort associated with sciatica.
If you are considering chiropractic treatment for sciatica pain, get treatment in a reliable multi-specialty healthcare center. Established centers will have qualified and experienced chiropractors to administer treatment.
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