How Does Chiropractic Treatment Help Sciatica Pain?
Sciatica pain is caused when the sciatic nerve, which is the widest and longest nerve in the body becomes irritated, inflamed, or compressed. This nerve runs from the bottom of the spinal column and down each leg, with five smaller nerves that branch out into knees, calves, thighs, ankles, and feet. The pain caused by the sciatica nerve can often be debilitating; however, chiropractic treatment can aid the patient with pain management, providing needed relief. Listed below are the detailed symptoms of sciatic nerve pain along with how it is diagnosed and what current treatments are available.
What are the Symptoms of Sciatica?
Symptoms of sciatica can include pain, weakness, numbness, burning, and a pins-and-needles sensation in the lower back, buttocks, hips, and in the back parts of the legs and feet. Often the pain radiates from the lower back down one leg, following the path of the sciatica nerve. Symptoms may appear on one or both sides of the body and can be more pronounced on one side of the body as well. Some symptoms may be isolated to specific areas, such as one calf or foot.
How is Sciatica Diagnosed?
To diagnosis sciatica, the doctor will need to know the patient’s complete medical history, when the symptoms began, and any probable causes of the ailment. After the medical history is reviewed, a physical, neurological, and chiropractic exam will need to be performed. The doctor may also recommend diagnostic imaging at this time, such as an MRI, x-rays, or a CT scan. Once all exams and testing are complete, the chiropractic doctor can then design a sciatica treatment plan that is just right for the individual patient.
Treatment for Sciatica Pain
Chiropractic care can offer a patient non-surgical, drug-free treatment for sciatica pain. For nerve blockage, the doctor can perform manual adjustments that manipulate the spine, which help with the compression of the sciatic nerve. Another form of treatment for sciatica pain is massage therapy. Massage therapy can reduce muscle spasms caused by the sciatica nerve. Other treatments options might include ultrasound, TENS, ice/heat therapy, and special exercises, all of which can help to relieve the symptoms of sciatica.
Sciatica can cause long-term damage if left untreated. Unfortunately, pain medications only mask the symptoms of sciatica, and surgery should only be considered as a last resort. Chiropractic treatment is a great first step for curing sciatic nerve pain because it can alleviate the symptoms without surgery and with minimal medications.
Get a free consultation with a doctor
The doctors and specialists at La Clinica SC specialize in chiropractic, orthopedic and pain management. If you suffer from lower back or sciatica symptoms, we can help! For more information about sciatic nerve pain or to schedule a free consultation with a doctor, please call us today at (773) 763-2800 or click here to schedule a free consultation.