If you suffer from sciatica, you’ll know exactly how painful this condition can be and how challenging it may make even the most basic of everyday tasks. While most of the time sciatica tends to improve on its own, this isn’t the case for everyone. You shouldn’t have to suffer in silence.
Have you ever wondered if a chiropractor can help with sciatica? In this article, we explore some of the ways that chiropractic care may help manage your symptoms.
The compassionate team at Northside Chiropractic addresses a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders and conditions, including sciatica. We will thoroughly assess your spine and nervous system, crafting a personalised care plan that focuses on the root cause of your problem, not just your symptoms. Book an appointment for more information.
What is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the largest in the human body, stretching from the lower back down to each foot.
Sciatica occurs when this nerve becomes pinched or compressed, which may send shooting pain (often described as an electric shock or deep ache) down the nerve. Most people only experience sciatica on one side of the body, but it can be felt on both.
What are the Symptoms of Sciatica?
While this condition is known for shooting pain at any point along the sciatic nerve or down the whole nerve, it’s not the only symptom people may experience. Other common symptoms of sciatica include:
- Burning sensation
- Leg or buttocks pain (particularly after sitting for long periods)
- Difficulty in moving the affected leg or foot
- Numbness or weakness in the affected leg or foot
- Lower back pain
- Pins and needles
- Increased pain when lifting, straining, or coughing
What are the Causes of Sciatica?
As sciatica is the result of excessive pressure on the sciatic nerve, it has several potential causes, which is why it’s so common. Some of the typical causes include:
- Herniated disc
- Bone spurs
- Narrowing of the spine
- Conditions like spondylolisthesis
- Injury to the lower back, leg, or foot
- Bad posture
- Wear and tear as a result of daily life
What are the Treatment Options for Sciatica?
While sciatica often resolves on its own, if the pain is impacting your quality of life or doesn’t improve with time, it’s a good idea to see a medical professional. If left untreated, it may lead to permanent damage to the sciatic nerve, which may have severe complications.
While surgery is an absolute last resort, there are several other treatment options you may explore, including:
- Medications (both pain relief and anti-inflammatory)
- Epidural injections
- Chemonucleolysis
- Physiotherapy
- Acupuncture
- Osteopathy
- Chiropractic care
Understanding Chiropractic Care for Sciatica
A chiropractor is knowledgeable about the body’s musculoskeletal structures and systems, including the sciatic nerve. Several chiropractic methods may be used to address sciatica, including:
- Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments and manipulations may help to relieve excessive pressure placed on the sciatic nerve by realigning the spine into proper positioning. - Exercises
As particular movements and positions may exacerbate pain in the sciatic nerve, a chiropractor may help you navigate the dos and don’ts. They may recommend a physical routine, from stretches to entire workouts, that aim to avoid further aggravating the nerve as well as lessen the pressure applied to it. - Lifestyle Changes
As chiropractic care is a holistic approach that involves treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms, your chiropractor will also examine the way you sit, stand, sleep, and work. They may recommend some lifestyle changes based on this that may help with pain management in the long run. - Hot and Cold Therapy
This is a technique used by chiropractors that may provide fast pain relief for those suffering from conditions like sciatica. Heat is used to relax tight muscles, and cold to ease inflammation.
Is Chiropractic Care for Sciatica Painful?
Many people are nervous about visiting a chiropractor for the first time. Spinal adjustments and manipulations are often associated with loud ‘crack’ sounds, which may be alarming and make many people expect the treatment to hurt.
Have you ever popped your knuckles or cracked your neck to relieve stiffness? Chiropractic adjustments are similar to this, and most people report relief in the affected joints after treatment.
Address Symptoms of Sciatica with Chiropractic Care
While most cases of sciatica tend to resolve on their own, this process is often gradual and may leave you in severe pain in the meantime. There are also people whose symptoms don’t improve or even worsen. If you are suffering from sciatica and are looking for ways to relieve your pain, chiropractic care may be worth exploring.
Make an appointment with the knowledgeable team at Northside Chiropractic in Preston today to discuss your sciatica symptoms in more detail and let us develop a personalised care plan.