Chiropractic Care for Sciatica
By Madhusudhan Tammisetti
Generally, sciatica may affect one leg at a time, and the pain originates from the lower back to the thigh and the leg. People suffering from sciatica may feel pain on the sides, front, and back of the thigh and leg.
Pain caused due to sciatica may vary in intensity and frequency. Pain can range from minimal to severe and from occasional to frequent or constant. People with sciatica may feel severe pain in the leg than in the back. Usually, the pain occurs in the calf region, just below the knee. The pain caused by sciatica is described as a sharp, burning sensation, achy, and shock-like shooting pain.
The back of the leg may feel tingling, numbness, and pins-and-needles like altered sensation. The sciatic patient may feel weakness in the leg and foot. The affected leg may feel heavy and becomes difficult to lift.
Certain postures may aggravate the sciatic pain. People with sciatica may feel the pain getting worse when sitting, standing up, twisting the spine, bending the spine forward, standing for extended periods, or coughing.
While lying down, pain may increase or stay constant, which may disturb the sleep. When lying on the back, you can place a pillow under the back of the knees that may help relieve the pain. You can also use a pillow between the legs when lying on the side, which may decrease the pain.
Developing a daily walking routine and sticking to it for longer periods, doing pelvic exercises, or applying a heat pack at the rear pelvic area may give relief.
Types of Sciatica
Acute sciatica may last up to eight weeks, and depending on the severity, you can consult a doctor or a chiropractor for medical treatment. The pain may also subside with self-management.
People with chronic sciatica suffer from persistent sciatic nerve pain, which lasts for more than eight weeks. The pain can't be self-managed and may require non-surgical or surgical treatment.
Alternating sciatica affects both legs alternatively. Sacroiliac joint problems may cause this type of sciatic nerve pain.
Bilateral sciatica affects both legs at the same time and occurs rarely.
Chiropractic Care for Sciatica
Chiropractic care involves drug-free and non-surgical procedures for sciatica.
Ice or cold therapy may reduce inflammation and help in controlling the sciatic pain.
Sound waves at a certain frequency produce mild heat and can penetrate tissue deeply. This therapy may reduce stiffness, muscle spasms, cramping, swelling, and pain.
Spinal adjustments may help restore joints to their correct position in their spine. The technique may involve using a high-velocity thrust force with a combination of gentle pressure and minimal strength. It may reduce pain related to nerve inflammation, which is associated with sciatica.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Los Angeles, Calif.