Sciatica is referring to debilitating pain in the lower back that extends to the hip and legs. Sitting around and not doing anything may worsen the symptoms. When hot packs and painkillers are not doing anything for pain relief, it is time to start thinking about seeing a chiropractor.
How Can Chiropractic Treatment Help For Sciatica?
Chiropractors are an excellent place to start when you are suffering from sciatica symptoms such as a tingling sensation in the feet or legs, numbness, or weakness together with lower back pain. Many insurance plans usually cover chiropractic treatment, whether Medicaid, Medicare, or private. Visiting a chiropractor can save you valuable time since they can promptly identify whether you require:
- Referrals: referral to an occupational or physical therapist or acupuncturist.
- Medications: consulting with your primary doctor about a prescription for a muscle relaxant for short-term use, anti-inflammatory medicines, or steroid.
- Imaging scans:Getting an MRI or X-ray.
What Causes Sciatica?
Muscles consist of thousands of small rope-like fibers, which is formed from tiny strands of string. With either underuse or overuse, they start contracting and lead to other fibers contracting. This results in a trigger point forming (a painful knot of muscles). Trigger points can lead to a sciatic nerve being pinched, causing this intense radiating pain traveling down the back and legs. These trigger points respond well to treatment that involves deep pressure that squeezes the muscle fibers and causing them to relax. Manual massage therapy can lower the inflammation-causing compounds (cytokines) surrounding the trigger point.
How Can A Chiropractor Help?
When you book a consultation with a chiropractor, in addition to saving you time, he can assist you with decreasing your reliance on pain medication. Check out https://myspinecc.com/ for chiropractic services at your disposal to bring much-needed relief for your associated sciatic pain symptoms.
According to a study, which was done by the American College of Physicians, the first line of defense against lower back pain includes:
- Manipulation
- Applying heat
- Massage
- Acupuncture
The second course in your solution to treating pain are taking muscle relaxants and pain-relieving anti-inflammatory drugs with injections and narcotics taking the back seat. There are almost no side effects associated with chiropractic treatment as opposed to taking medications, particularly with prolonged use.
Treating Sciatica Pain By Doing Stretching And Strengthening Exercises
Most chiropractors emphasize on implementing as few treatments as possible when bringing relief to patients. Assistance can be provided to sciatica-like pain, usually within four visits or even less. During the treatment sessions, chiropractors teach patients the basic exercises that they can implement at home to prevent pain symptoms from returning. Your chiropractor will generally recommend doing more exercise or a sitting/standing desk. Foam rollers are also practical tools for sciatic pain and can bring relief. It is an inexpensive method that lasts a long time.
Conclusion
If you have been suffering from sciatic pain symptoms which include lower back pain and any of the symptoms mentioned above, and pain relief medications and hot presses are not bringing any relief, then it is worth your while considering chiropractic treatment.