Sciatica is a common problem that causes pain, often starting in the lower back and moving down the buttocks, hip, and even into the legs or feet. This pain can make it hard to sit, walk, or do everyday activities. While medicine may help for a little while, it doesn’t fix the real cause of the pain.
Chiropractic care offers a holistic and non-invasive treatment that targets the root causes of sciatica instead of just treating the symptoms. Through this approach, chiropractors can help you find pain relief quickly and experience long-term healing benefits.
Understanding Sciatica
Sciatica pain starts when the sciatic nerve, the longest and thickest nerve in your body, becomes compressed or irritated. This type of pain usually radiates from the lower back down through one or both legs and can range from mild to severe. Other common symptoms include tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in the affected leg.
Related Read: What is Sciatica?
The underlying cause of sciatica is always related to the spine. While several factors can contribute to the condition, a herniated or bulging disc is the most common cause.
You’ll find relief sooner if you get to the chiropractor when the pain first starts. Sometimes the pain goes away on its own, but other times it may not, leading to more serious issues that are harder to treat. If you are experiencing pain that could be related to the sciatic nerve, a chiropractor can help identify the root cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan.
Chiropractic Treatments for Sciatica
A number of treatment options are available to relieve sciatic nerve pain. They’re chosen based on how severe your pain is and what’s causing it. After reviewing your X-rays or an MRI, if needed, the chiropractor can determine the source of your pain and then choose the treatments most likely to help, including:
- Spinal adjustment (manipulation): This involves repositioning joints and vertebrae to their proper alignment, which can significantly reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Spinal decompression: This treatment gently stretches the spine over several sessions to ease pressure on the discs surrounding the sciatic nerve. By alleviating pressure, herniated or bulging discs can heal and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Lumbar traction: This spinal decompression therapy uses Back on Trac technology to relieve pressure on the lower spine without surgery.
- Cold laser therapy: This method uses low-level lasers to stimulate healing in the affected area. It can also help improve circulation, leading to better management of the pain and inflammation related to sciatica.
Most patients experience full relief from sciatica pain in about four to six weeks with regular chiropractic care, although you will likely start to feel relief much sooner than that. Those with chronic pain may need regular chiropractic care or visits to a pain management specialist.
How to Prevent Sciatica from Recurring Using Chiropractic Care
While chiropractic care can ease your initial sciatica pain, it's still important to take steps to prevent it from returning. Chiropractors often recommend additional therapies and lifestyle changes to support ongoing recovery, such as:
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
Doing specific stretching and strengthening exercises can improve flexibility and support your spine, which helps ease pressure on the nerve. Typically, chiropractors recommend exercises that help improve your strength and flexibility including:
- Walking helps keep the body active and prevent stiffness
- Core-strengthening exercises like crunches and planks
- Stretches that target the hamstring muscles, hip extensor muscle, and piriformis muscle (located in the buttocks)
These exercises can be easily performed at home to maintain flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness that might trigger sciatica.
Maintenance Adjustments
Being proactive in your care is crucial for effectively managing sciatica. Scheduling regular spinal adjustments is one way to achieve this. Ongoing chiropractic care helps with spinal alignment and nerve health, which can prevent future sciatica flare-ups.
Lifestyle and Activity Modifications
Chiropractors may also suggest lifestyle changes to help prevent the recurrence of sciatica, including:
- Regular physical activity: Staying active and avoiding prolonged sitting can help prevent sciatica from returning. Stick to light activities and gentle stretches.
- Proper lifting techniques: Avoid heavy lifting that can worsen your condition. When you do lift, remember to use your legs, not your back.
- Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on the spine. Adhering to a nutritious diet and exercise plan can help you achieve your weight goals.
- Posture adjustments: Whether sitting or sleeping, good posture is important. Chiropractors can offer guidance on maintaining proper posture to support the spine and alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Related Read: How to Relieve Sciatica Pain
When to See a Chiropractor for Sciatica
If you experience persistent pain that doesn't improve with home remedies or disrupts your daily life, it's time to consult one of the chiropractors at Village Chiropractic. We will identify the underlying cause of your sciatica symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your wellness goals.
Your initial treatment plan will include spinal adjustments to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. Additionally, you may receive guidance on exercises and lifestyle modifications to help maintain your adjustments between visits and effectively manage any sciatic pain.
Comprehensive Care for Sciatica Pain at Village Chiropractic
If you are looking for relief from sciatic nerve pain, Village Chiropractic in The Woodlands and Cypress is ready to help. Our chiropractors will take the time to understand what may have caused it and treat you so that the pain is relieved at the source. Request an appointment at either location.
