1 Managing Sciatica Pain with Chiropractic Treatment
Managing Sciatica Pain with Chiropractic Treatment
2 Managing Sciatica Pain with Chiropractic Treatment
Sciatica symptoms can be caused by lower back problems such as a lumbar herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or spinal stenosis. Sciatica refers to leg pain that occurs due to the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest and biggest nerve in the body – extending from the lower back area covering the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, this condition affects only one side of the body and occurs when a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine or narrowing of the spine compresses part of the nerve, causing inflammation, pain and numbness in the affected leg. Chiropractic treatment for this condition can greatly reduce nerve pain and can alleviate the symptoms without the need for medications. Most cases of sciatica resolve with adequate treatments for six weeks to three months. Though older adults are greatly affected by sciatica pain, the condition is challenging to treat in this group as aging causes the nerves and muscles to degenerate. Sciatica can cause long-term damage if left untreated. Since, the pain related to sciatica can originate from different sources, treatment modalities vary depending on the root cause. Symptoms Irritation of the sciatic nerve can result in numerous symptoms such as shooting pain, numbness, weakness and cramping, tingling or burning sensation in the muscles of the involved leg, loss of bowel or bladder function and difficulty moving the leg, foot, and/or toes. The type and intensity of pain can differ from person to person and can vary from a mild ache to a sharp burning sensation or excruciating discomfort. The signs and symptoms generally develop slowly and can progress over time. Depending on the intensity of the disease, the symptoms become worse, resulting in serious and permanent muscle and nerve damage. Causes Sciatica is more common in people in the 30-50 age group. The nerve disorder is mainly caused by irritation of the root(s) of the lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine. Some of the other causes of sciatica include Degenerative disc disease (breakdown of discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae) Lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back) Spondylolisthesis (a condition in which one vertebra slips forward over another one) Pregnancy
3 Managing Sciatica Pain with Chiropractic Treatment
Diagnosing Sciatica Healthcare centers in Brooklyn offer chiropractic treatment for sciatica. The condition is diagnosed through a comprehensive review of the patient’s complete medical history, (like when the symptoms began, and any probable causes of the ailment) along with a thorough physical and neurological examination. In addition, a detailed physical examination will be performed of the back, legs and hips in order to check muscle strength, flexibility and reflexes. Diagnostic tests such as X-ray, CT scan and MRI scan or electro diagnostic tests may be conducted to detect possible contraindications to spinal adjustments and other chiropractic therapies. Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica The main objective of this treatment modality is to promote the body’s potential to heal itself. After diagnosing and evaluating the condition, the chiropractor will create a treatment plan to address the root cause of the condition. They aim at treating the discomfort rooted in spinal misalignment as this may be the root cause of pain. Chiropractic adjustments correct vertebral dysfunction, which reduces pain and inflammation, reduces muscle spasm and tension, and addresses the nerve irritation. Chiropractic treatment methods also include: Ice/Cold therapy – that uses cold packs to reduce inflammation on sciatic nerve and helps to control pain. TENS unit (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) - which uses low electrical currents to lower muscle spasms and relax the muscles surrounding the nerve. Ultrasound – emits gentle heat through sound waves that penetrates deep in to the tissue. This increases blood circulation in the area, thereby reducing muscle spasms, cramping, swelling, stiffness and pain.
4 Managing Sciatica Pain with Chiropractic Treatment
Spinal manipulation – this is the core of chiropractic treatment. Spinal adjustment frees any restrictions in the spine thereby restoring the misaligned vertebrae to the proper position within the body’s spinal column. Manipulation of the spine will help reduce nerve irritations including problems in the nerve that causes pain, spasm, inflammation, and other discomforts associated with this condition. If you have symptoms of sciatica pain, get treatment in a reliable pain management center in Brooklyn. In a professional healthcare center, you can expect effective chiropractic treatment by trained and experienced chiropractors.
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