If you have sciatica, you may want to see a chiropractor get relief. Depending on your specific symptoms, a chiropractor may prescribe exercises or stretches that will help you feel better. He or she can also prescribe pain medications if you are experiencing severe pain. The best chiropractors will listen to your symptoms and tailor the treatment to your specific needs. This might include spinal adjustments and soft tissue massage therapy. The chiropractor may also suggest supplements or dietary advice.
Treatment Options
Chiropractic adjustments can reduce the pain associated with sciatica. Chiropractic adjustments can also help restore range of motion. When a range of motion is restricted, it means that the joints are not functioning correctly and can lead to serious pain. The chiropractor can also use ultrasound therapy to reduce inflammation and improve circulation in the affected areas. Increased range of motion is one of the most effective ways to reduce pain and improve health.
In addition to a chiropractic adjustment, treatment for sciatica may include Cape Concierge Physical Therapy. A chiropractor can help you find the cause of your condition and determine the best treatment option for you. The condition can deteriorate if left untreated, so early diagnosis is essential to prevent the pain from becoming worse.
Many types of sciatica are caused by a herniated disc. This condition occurs when the soft core of a disc pushes through the outer layer and places pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. A chiropractic adjustment can correct this pressure by realigning the spine. The chiropractor may also use techniques to lengthen the spine and increase the space between vertebrae.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Chiropractic care can help alleviate the symptoms of sciatica. This condition is caused by a pinched sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back to each leg. This nerve can become pinched at any point along its path, but most cases are caused by a herniated disc or a narrowed spine. This condition can result in severe pain and muscle weakness. Chiropractors are trained to treat sciatica and can provide relief through several different methods.
Chiropractors treat sciatica by adjusting the spine and joints, allowing the nerves and muscles to flow freely. They use special devices to improve circulation and decrease inflammation around the affected areas. They also use a range of treatments, including ultrasound, acupuncture, hot and cold packs, and TENS units, to help manage the symptoms.
Chiropractic treatment is effective for many people who experience these symptoms. It helps to alleviate pain in the affected areas and encourage the body to heal itself. Chiropractors often combine chiropractic adjustments and medical massage in order to provide relief for sciatica.
Treatment Duration
Treatment for sciatica can vary from person to person. While some people find that over-the-counter pain relievers can relieve pain, others may require prescription medications or epidural steroid injections. Ultimately, surgery may be necessary for those who can’t tolerate nonsurgical treatments. Fortunately, in many cases, mild sciatica can be treated with rest and stretching.
The condition affects people of any age, and symptoms can either get worse or improve over time. It is important to manage symptoms so you can maintain an active lifestyle. Ideally, you should be able to participate in sports and other activities without too much pain or discomfort. However, the decision to limit activities should be made individually. Usually, a patient should limit their activity based on the intensity and duration of the pain, as well as the presence of numbness or weakness in the affected leg.
A sciatica surgery may involve removing a disk that is pressing on the sciatic nerve. A surgeon may remove a portion of the disk or the entire disk. The patient will be under general anesthesia and may be able to go home the same day.
Common Causes
Common causes of sciatica include herniated disks in the lower spine and spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal column. Fortunately, most cases of sciatica resolve within a few weeks. However, some cases become chronic, requiring medical intervention.
Herniated discs in the spine can cause sciatica by pressing on the sciatic nerve. While this condition may heal on its own with rest and time, it can also be a result of a traumatic injury to the spine. Sciatica can be a symptom of herniated disc or piriformis syndrome, which is caused by a tight piriformis muscle. Piriformis syndrome affects the piriformis muscle, which runs from the midline of the spine to the outer hip bone.
Other causes of sciatica include aging and a sedentary lifestyle. The latter is linked to a higher risk of sciatica, especially in people in their 30s and 40s. Smoking is another risk factor.