Chiropractic treatment reduces sciatic pain even without medication. It is considered to be a safe therapeutic option. Other treatments include pain medication, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and surgery.
Pain along the sciatic nerve’s path is referred to as sciatica. The sciatic nerve flows down each leg from the lower back through the hips and buttocks. The most frequent causes of sciatica are herniated discs or overgrowth of bone pressing against a portion of the nerve, which causes pain and inflammation or numbness in the affected leg.
Sciatica pain can be mild or severe but mostly resolves on its own. However, sciatica can cause chronic pain and muscular weakness if it doesn’t go away on its own. If left untreated it can cause major damage to the sciatic nerve.
Firstly, the chiropractor asks about your pain and health history, then accordingly he develops a specialized treatment plan for you. To relieve your pain, your chiropractor may recommend specific exercises for you to do at home. Generally, it takes several visits to a chiropractor before sciatica symptoms appear to alleviate.
People of any age can get sciatica, although most cases occur in those between the ages of 30 and 50. Sedentary lifestyles and prolonged durations of sitting are other risk factors. Various treatment options are available at Zenith. Just dial 972-210-0033.
HOW DO CHIROPRACTORS TREAT SCIATICA?
Chiropractic care is intended to help the body’s natural ability to repair itself. Chiropractic treatment is both drug-free and non-invasive (non-surgical). Chiropractors may use various methods. And treatment depends on the cause of the patient’s sciatica. Depending on the situation, there may be a need to combine them with other treatments.
- Ice or cold therapy – Ice or cold therapy controls the pain of sciatica and reduces inflammation.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)- A portable, battery-operated TENS unit (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) looks like a little box. To manage pain and reduce the risk of muscular spasms, it uses electrical currents of varying intensities. Larger versions of TENS are used by chiropractors or physical therapists.
- Ultrasound- Ultrasound generates gentle heat by using sound waves that deeply penetrate soft tissues. This therapy helps in the reduction of pain, stiffness, muscle spasm, swelling, sciatic pain and improves circulation.
- Spinal manipulations- The core of chiropractic treatment is spinal adjustments. It helps in spinal realignment, which releases restricted motion and helps in restoring the body to its proper alignment for improved and more efficient function. Spinal manipulation is safe and effective.
- Myofascial Release- This form of stretching is light and gentle, and it works great to stretch and treat the related muscles. Leg pain may result from fascial muscle restrictions caused by herniated discs.
- Massage Therapy- This is another option that most chiropractors use to treat sciatic pain. Endorphins are released during the massage, which speeds up healing and reduces flare-ups.
- Chiropractic exercises- A chiropractor will provide exercises that not only prevent inflammation of the sciatic nerve but also help in relieving pressure caused by irritated and tight muscles, depending on the underlying cause of the issue.
HIP AND HAMSTRING FLEXIBILITY STRETCHES
Sciatica can be caused by stiff hamstrings, glutes, and hips, which can alter your posture and increase the amount of stress on your lower back. A stretching exercise that focuses on the hips and hamstrings and relaxes an overused or irritated piriformis muscle will be highly beneficial for the majority of sciatica types. A small muscle called the piriformis runs just above the sciatic nerve and is attached to the base of the spine. Sitting or prolonged inactivity compresses the piriformis over the sciatic nerve, which can worsen the condition and cause pain. By adding yoga to your regular exercise routine or adopting a basic stretching routine, you can reverse the effects of tight hips and hamstrings.
To relieve pain in your piriformis muscle, here are two ways to stretch it.
First stretch-
- Lay on your back with both knees bent and your feet flat on the ground.
- Just above the knee, lift one leg and cross it.
- Up till you feel a stretch in your buttocks, hold the thigh of the leg that has its foot on the ground and bring it toward your chest. Hold on for 10-30 seconds.
- Continue on the other side.
Second Stretch-
- Lay down with your legs straight.
- Pull one leg up and over to the opposing shoulder while holding it with the opposite hand. Hold on for 10-30 seconds.
- Continue on the other side.
A few more exercises and stretches for sciatica-s
Standing Hamstring Stretchs
- Put one foot on a slightly higher surface while standing up straight.
- Point the toes upward and straighten the leg on the step.
- Keeping back straight, lean forward. Hold on for 20-30 seconds.
- Repeat the process with another leg.
Pelvic Tilt
Legs bent and arms by your side, lie on your back.
- Rock the hips and pelvis slightly upward while tightening your stomach muscles and pressing your back into the floor.
- While holding this posture, try to imagine touching your backbone with your belly button. Remind yourself to breathe.
- After a few seconds, release. Then repeat the process at least 8-12 times.
Glute muscles- A group of muscles in the buttocks known as the glutes. The sciatic nerve may be compressed if they are too tight.
- With knees bent, lie on your back with feet shoulder-width apart and arms by your sides.
- Lift your hips up by pressing through your heels until your body forms a straight line from knees to shoulders. Hold on for a few seconds.
- Bring the hips down to the floor gradually, then repeat.
Lying Deep Gluteal- You may need to slightly modify this exercise if you lack flexibility.
- With your legs bent, lie on your back. Place your right ankle on your left knee while you raise it.
- Keep your head and back on the floor as you place both hands behind your left thigh and slowly pull it toward you. Hold for 20-30 seconds.
- Repeat with another leg. Follow the procedure 2-3 times.
Slightly elevate your head by placing a firm cushion. If you have difficulty getting to your thigh, you can bring it closer by wrapping a towel around it.
A single workout program doesn’t work for everyone because sciatica can have a variety of causes. Talk to your chiropractor before trying these exercises.
WHAT ALTERNATIVE NATURAL TREATMENTS ARE THERE FOR SCIATICA?
- Take breaks- Long periods spent in one posture can make sciatica worse. Throughout the day, take breaks and change your sitting position.
- Use ice packs- Ice packs can alleviate sciatic pain. It can be used for up to 20 minutes at a time.
- Heat- You can also try hot packs, and heating pads, or take a warm shower which reduces pain.
- Stretch- Your lower back suffers when your hamstrings and hip muscles are tight. Sciatica pain can be significantly reduced by stretching these muscles.
- Yoga- Practicing yoga can improve your strength, posture, and flexibility as well as relieve pain.
- Massage- Massage can relieve pain and loosen tight muscles.
- Acupuncture- According to some research, acupuncture may be effective in treating sciatica. Visit a licensed practitioner if you’re interested in acupuncture.
Spinal manipulation when combined with stretches, and exercises relieves sciatica and prevents further injury. Contact Zenith for specialized treatment.