Sciatica- A real pain to deal with. A Chiropractor can help!

Sciatica is a condition that affects about 40% of the population at one time or another in their lives. Most often they are mild cases that will resolve on their own, but what if it doesn't? 

Will you choose pain medications to cope?

What if you had a more holistic option? 

That's right, I'm talking about chiropractic care! Let's dive in to how going to a chiropractor can help you if you are having sciatica pain. 

Your sciatic nerve travels from your spine down to the bottom of your feet. Symptoms can include pain, tingling, numbness, shooting pain, and weakness of the affected limb. If it is affected for too long, the damage can become permanent so it is important not to wait too long before seeking help.  

There are a few different reasons you could be having sciatic pain; herniated disc, bone spurs, narrowed spinal canal, and tight hip muscles. A chiropractor will most likely take an X-Ray during your evaluation in order to help determine what is contributing to your condition and that will help them decide how to plan your treatments. 

Treatment will include stretching and controlled pressure applied to joint(s) in order to "manipulate" or "adjust" them. If you hear a popping sound, don't worry! That is only the gas that has built up in your joints being released, it is NOT the bones themselves! (Also, please communicate with your chiropractor about how the adjustment feels! If you need them to be more gentle or give more force, let them know your preferences.) Multiple visits may be required to feel relief but try to remain patient. it's unlikely you got this way in a day (unless there was an accident of course) so it will take more than one visit to help alleviate built up tension in your muscles and long term misalignment of your joints. 

The Science: 

A 2015 systematic review of multiple studies found chiropractic care to provide relief with various types of back pain, including sciatica. There is also pointed research by the National Institutes of Health that shows chiropractic care is generally safe for everyone.

Chiropractic care should be a compelling option when it comes to seeking treatment for sciatica. Your other options are pain medications or surgery. You owe it to yourself to at least try a holistic option first!!

Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/back-pain/chiropractor-for-sciatica