Chiropractic care is one of the most effective treatment plans of all time. It does not involve the use of any medicines and surgeries. People prefer hiring a chiropractor for treatment because it eliminates the root cause of diseases instead of concealing them.
Issues like sciatica affect almost 10% to 40% of the total population. It is caused by several medical reasons that affect the nervous system. A chiropractor can help reduce pain induced by sciatica by using controlled manipulation of your neuromusculoskeletal system. In this article, we will discuss what sciatica is, its symptoms, and the benefits of seeking chiropractic treatment.
So, without further ado, let’s begin!
What is Sciatica?
If you experience pain radiating from your lower back to hips, buttocks, and then legs, chances are that you have sciatica. It occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched for different reasons on only one side of the body.
The pain caused by sciatica can be mild or harsh. However, if you do not get timely treatment and lifestyle changes, it can turn into life-hampering chronic pain.
What are the Causes of Sciatica?
Sciatica isn’t a disease by itself. In fact, it is a result of medical conditions that you may develop with time. According to medical studies, the most common causes of sciatica are:
Age
As you grow, your joints and body become weaker. This reduces your mobility and also puts unwanted pressure on the nerves. Suppose you have maintained an inactive life throughout your youth. Age-related changes can cause health conditions like herniated disks and bone spurs, causing sciatica among seniors. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and remaining active even when old is essential.
Weight
Excessive weight is not just damaging for your organs, but it can also cause a lot of pressure on the spine. The heavier you are, the more pressure your spine has to endure. This excess pressure and strain can deform the spine and contribute to deterioration in nervous system health, triggering sciatica in the longer run. It is essential to maintain a healthy weight, whether you are young or old.
Lifestyle
Modern-day activities and lifestyles revolve around sitting for prolonged hours. Whether you are a financial analyst at Wall’s Street or a freelancer, sitting throughout the day is something you share. A sedentary lifestyle causes stress and depression and leads to pressure on the spine, resulting in changes to the nervous system. Being active for a couple of hours every day can help you avoid sciatica-related symptoms.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Symptoms of sciatica often appear quite early as a warning sign. However, most people ignore them. Here are some symptoms of sciatica:
- Pain radiating from the lumbar region of your spine all the way to the leg. It often affects only one leg.
- Consistent pain in the affected leg along with burning sensations. The pain can be mild or chronic, depending on the severity of sciatica. In most cases, it continues to grow.
- Tingling sensations like people with diabetes but in only one leg. Some people can also suffer from muscle weakness and numbness – especially the morbidly obese sciatica patients.
Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica
As a non-medicinal treatment that focuses on removing problems from the root, chiropractic care is a preferred treatment plan among patients. A chiropractor will evaluate your body and assess the severity of the condition before starting any kind of treatment.
Let’s discuss the most effective techniques used by chiropractors for treating sciatica.
Massage Therapy
Unlike a regular massage, chiropractic massage is a deep-rooted way to relieve you from sciatica pain. It targets your affected nerves thoroughly to release endorphins, so you feel calm and relaxed.
Your chiropractor is well-aware of the different pressure points of the musculoskeletal system, so they know what’s best for your condition. As a matter of fact, patients with mild sciatica symptoms feel relaxed after the first session.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Most people visit a chiropractor to allow them to make adjustments to their spine. Since sciatica starts from your lumbar spine, your chiropractor will make manipulations and adjustments to free the restrictions in spine movement while aligning the vertebrae. They can use their hands or gadgets to target the affected parts and nerves.
Although restoring damaged nerves is not possible, these adjustments can help reduce the pain. They also remove unwanted blockades to regain muscle flow and activity. Adjustments help you feel a lot more active, energetic, and in far less pain.
Decompress the Spine
Spinal decompression and herniated disks are among the most common reasons for sciatic nerve damage. Over time, the disks in your spine can naturally dry out and become thinner. This results in pinched nerves spinal decompression, which ultimately triggers sciatica.
Your chiropractor will decompress the spine to enhance space between vertebrae, which will help in reducing discomfort when you perform daily tasks. When nerves start functioning normally, sciatica symptoms will automatically reduce and disappear.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Chiropractors have used heat and cold therapy to do wonders and provide immediate relief from sciatica pain. Heat can relax tense muscles and alleviate pain. Cold therapies will reduce blood flow and help ease inflammation symptoms.
The chiropractor knows which treatment is best for you, whether you should use both, and how frequently you should switch between them. Once you become a regular, they can give you therapy packs to take home. It is essential to adjust the packs’ temperature to your body’s comfort level.
Exercises
Since sciatica is caused by a lack of activity and an inactive lifestyle, your chiropractor will recommend some customized exercises to relieve pain. These exercises help protect the nervous system from further damage.
The exercise plan revolves around stretching routines, in-place walks, mild strength training routines, etc. It is essential to follow the steps as instructed, releasing pressure and making you more active.
Lifestyle Improvement
Other than the regular treatment plan, your chiropractor will also make recommendations on how to change your overall lifestyle. Following this guidance will keep the discs in place, strengthen the spine and help you remain more mobile even with sciatica.
Final Thoughts
Sciatica is one of the most commonly growing health conditions around the world. It occurs when the sciatic nerves are pinched due to different reasons like age, weight, or lifestyle. However, you can improve your current health condition with chiropractic care without using any medication. From spinal decompression, adjustments, and therapy to exercise and lifestyle changes, there are plenty of ways a chiropractor can help you improve your present condition.
Find a chiropractor or massage therapist near you!
