What is Sciatica

Sciatica is another term used to describe a mild to intense pain that travels down the back of the leg, as low down as the feet and toes.This pain can become worse when twisting, bending, or coughing. There can also be symptoms such as altered sensation, tingling and muscle weakness.

Sciatica affects 10 to 40 percent of the population, classically around 40 years of age.

Some symptoms of sciatica include:

• Consistent pain on one side of your lower back
• Pain in leg and lower back that increases while sitting
• Intense striking pain which makes it difficult to stand
• Restricted movement of feet or entire legs without pain
• A throb or burning sensation that runs down the legs

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How can chiropractic treatment help with sciatica?

Adjustments

Spinal amanipulations (chiropractic adjustment) to allow a herniated disc to rest back into position and take the pressure off the sciatic nerve. While techniques vary rom a quick high-velocity thrust to a combination of minimal force and gentle pressure. The goal of the adjustment is to move the misaligned vertebra to the correct position in the spine.

This will lessen pain as well as regain nerve signal flow and mobility. Furthermore, a chiropractor can use the manipulations to ease muscle spasms, which will help with long term relief.

Chiropractic exercises

Moving in particular ways can worsen sciatica pain; however a chiropractor will recommend you the right exercises to help your recovery from sciatica and encourage the spine to strengthen and repair. After correct diagnosis, your chiropractor may implement various exercises in a progressive and controlled manner to relieve the pain. Those exercises include stretching programs that you can do right at home. Yoga is also effective for relieving sciatica pain.

Hot and cold therapy

Hot and cold pain relief therapy is an anti-inflammatory treatment recommended by chiropractors, it does wonders and provide quick relief from sciatica pain.

Heat can release tight muscles and dull the agony away. The cold therapies will slow down the blood flow and help ease the symptoms of inflammation. The chiropractor understands which treatment is suitable for you, whether to use both and how often to alternate them.

If you suffer from sciatica and want to avoid medication, this may be a treatment approach taken by chiropractors.

Healthy habits

Chiropractors look in all aspects of your life. Poor postural habits, workplace practices and strain on the back can often instigate back pain and in some cases can impact the sciatic nerve. A chiropractor can help develop healthy habits that look after your body to prevent the occurrence of sciatica. He or she might recommend a new way to stand, sit, sleep, and lift to protect the positioning of the sciatic nerve.

The lifestyle advises your chiropractor educates you with can help you avoid future injury or unnecessary pain.

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