Chiropractic Care for Sciatica

Sciatica affects approximately three million people in the United States each year. The pain from this condition radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve. It is the longest single nerve in the body. It branches from the lower back through your hips and buttocks, traveling down the back of each leg. This large nerve connects significant muscles with the spinal cord and provides strength and sensation to your legs. For many patients, sciatica pain can be excruciating and debilitating. It can make standing or sitting challenging or nearly impossible. Are you wondering how the healing art of chiropractic medicine can relieve the pain? Here’s how chiropractic care for sciatica can help:

 

Ice or Cold Therapy

This is often used when the shooting pain flares up. Ice or cold therapy works by reducing inflammation and controlling the pain. It increases your pain tolerance by slowing down the speed at which your nerves send pain signals to the brain. Application of ice or cold to your lower back keeps the sciatica pain from expanding and moving to other parts of your body. Ice or cold therapy acts locally, making the treatment quick and direct. This technique is proven to numb the source of pain and prevent swelling. It also helps reduce muscle spasms and tightness.

 

Ultrasound Therapy

The same tool that allows imaging of a fetus during pregnancy can be used for so much more. If you have chronic pain, such as sciatica, an ultrasound can be a source of relief. An ultrasound produces gentle heat from high-frequency sound waves that penetrate deep into soft tissues. The technology helps increase circulation and reduces swelling, stiffness, spasms, cramping, and sciatica pain.

 

Manual Manipulation

Spinal adjustments can help improve the alignment of the spinal column. It aims to free restricted movement and help move vertebral subluxations back to their proper position. The technique addresses herniated or slipped discs and other conditions that caused sciatica pain. It works by reducing nerve irritability responsible for pain, inflammation, and other symptoms associated with sciatica.

 

TENS Unit Therapy

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a small battery-operated machine that stimulates the muscles. This portable device transmits an electric current and uses electrodes that are placed strategically on the body. The pads are generally positioned near the painful area. Depending on the therapist’s recommendation, the electrical current may be administered continuously or at timed intervals. Experts believe that the current interrupts or blocks the nerve signals that indicate sciatica pain. Others claim that the nerve stimulation from using TENS aids in producing more endorphins. Therefore, overriding the feelings of pain.

 

Sciatica can be incapacitating. Although the condition is rather common, there’s no reason for you to just tolerate it. With a proper diagnosis, you can find relief by starting a treatment program. The type of chiropractic care you will need depends on the cause of your sciatica. At Chiropractic Nashville, we can examine your condition and recommend a drug-free, non-invasive treatment so you can get back to enjoying life.

 

Learn more about the benefits of chiropractic care for sciatica, contact Chiropractic Nashville in Nashville, Tennessee at (615) 205-1022.