Sciatica and Chiropractic Care: A Natural Treatment

Sciatica and Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic treatment can improve our well-being in ways most of us would never expect. From boosting immunity, to improving digestion or increasing energy, there are so many chiropractic health benefits most people are unaware of.

But what about sciatica and chiropractic?

Can chiropractors help with sciatica pain relief?

Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to be highly effective in curing sciatica, by helping the body heal itself. But to get a better understanding of why these two make such a good match, let’s first explore what sciatica is.

What Is Sciatica?

Usually caused by a herniated disk, or an irritation of the lower lumbar spine, sciatica manifests as a sharp pain starting from the lower back and moving towards the inferior part of the legs. Since the sciatic nerve is one of the longest nerves in the body, many people feel discomfort down the back of their legs, but are unaware that the pain actually radiates from the spine. 

Most common symptoms of sciatica include: 

• Shooting pain in the leg which radiates from the lumbosacral spine. The pain usually worsens when you cough, sneeze or sit down for longer time

• Tingling, pressure or a burning running down the affected leg

• Muscle spasms

• Difficulties moving the leg, sometimes accompanied by numbness or weakness

• Consistent pain on one side of the lower back

• Intense pain in one leg, that makes it hard to stand up

As far as spinal conditions go, sciatica is one the easiest to identify. That’s because it generally has similar symptoms in all patients, allowing for a fast diagnosis. 

But since each body is different, treatments may vary. So, just because sciatica is generally a straightforward condition, it doesn’t mean that you should not seek a tailored approach therapy to your treatment.

And that’s when a good chiropractor comes in.

Why Is a Chiropractor Good For Sciatica?

Why are we such firm believers that sciatica and chiropractic care are a good match?

Because chiropractic is a drug free, natural approach to preventing and treating problems of the spine. Unlike traditional ways of treatment which use anti inflammatory pills, chiropractic therapy helps reduce pain without the use of any medication. 

And, because alleviating back pain and musculoskeletal injuries like sciatica are at the core of chiropractic care.  Chiropractic adjustments play a vital role in freeing the restricted areas of the spine which cause sciatic pain, and in restoring misaligned vertebral bodies to their proper position. 

When used in conjunction with other lifestyle adjustments, like exercise and a healthy diet, these non invasive corrections have faster effects and last for longer time.

And speaking about lifestyle changes, let’s see some of the common factors which can lead to sciatica in the first place:

• Excessive weight

• Prolonged sitting at the desk

• Lack of exercise

• A back injury like a slip or a fall

• Spinal stenosis

• Pregnancy

• Sleeping on a mattress which is too soft

• A slipped disc

• Chemical inflammation

But most importantly, other than helping with the symptoms, chiropractic care can also help patients prevent future sciatica flare-ups.

Can Chiropractors Help With Nerve Pain?

Chiropractic is not only effective for sciatica but for any other type of nerve pain and damage. Nerve pain can generally occur anywhere throughout the body where the ligaments and bones are not aligned correctly.

All symptoms related to nerve pain whether it’s burning, tingling or numbness, are caused by tissue putting pressure and impinging the nerve. As in the case of sciatica, chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine and relieve the pressure from the nerve, thus correcting the problem and eliminating the pain.

What Is Better For Sciatica: Massage Or Chiropractor?

For most situations, chiropractic and massage work in unison. Regular massage helps release tension from sore muscles, while chiropractic treatment is more directed towards healing sciatica.

But chiropractors are generally better trained than massage therapists to identify the exact cause of the pain, and to treat it accordingly. Sometimes, discomfort can be caused by a vertebral subluxation in the lower lumbar spine, other times it can be swelling plating the muscles in the back. Identifying the exact cause is essential if you want to receive the best form of treatment, and to not end up aggravating your problem.

That’s why we recommend that you start by seeing a chiropractor first. Upon assessing your health, we can recommend the right type of massage which can help in your particular situation. 

We hope that you found our post on sciatica and chiropractic care helpful. But if you want to find out more about how we can help you live free of pain, we are waiting for you to make an appointment and visit our practice.

We are well trained and equipped to offer you the sciatica chiropractic adjustments you need, so that you can go back to living your life to the fullest.