Chiropractic Treatment of Sciatica

Posted by michellumb55 on September 24th, 2019

Chiropractic medicine doctors regularly treat sciatica. It is characterized by pain originating from the lower part of the buttock and back and eventually moves into one or both legs. Sciatic Pain Treatment depends varies depending on factors such as frequency and intensity ranging from moderate, severe, and minimal to severe, occasional intermittent, constant or frequent.

Sciatic pain can also be described as sharp, dull, and achy or electric shock-like. Additional symptoms of sciatica include numbness, tingling, and burning sensations. Sciatica may also be referred to as neuropathy, radiating, neuralgia, or referred pain. Although there is a misconception that sciatica is a disorder, it is in reality, just a symptom of a disorder.

Sciatic is Caused by Nerve Compression

Sciatic nerve compression generally causes sciatica. Some spinal disorders, which cause sciatic pain, include herniated or bulging discs, pregnancy and childbirth, lumbar spine subluxations (misaligned vertebral body or bodies), spinal tumors and non-spinal disorders including constipation, diabetes, and accidentally damaging the back by merely sitting down.

Piriformis syndrome (named after piriformis muscle) is another common cause of sciatica. Situated in the lower portion of the spine, the piriformis muscle is connected to the thighbone and facilitates hip rotation. Since the sciatic nerve is beneath the piriformis muscle, it is prone to injury caused by factors such as slip and fall, difference in leg length and hip arthritis, which cause piriformis spasms and muscle cramping thus pinching the sciatic nerve and causes pain and inflammation. Compression of the sciatic nerve might lead to sensory loss, insomnia or monologue (partial paralysis of a single limb or group of muscles).

Proper Diagnosis of Sciatica Is Essential

Sciatica is caused by many disorders. Thus, the Chiropractor’s first strategy is diagnosing its cause. Coming up with a reliable diagnosis entails a thorough review of the patient’s medical history coupled with a neurological and physical examination.

While conducting a diagnosis, the chiropractor may run tests such as an MRI, x-ray, CT Scan and/or electrodiagnostictests (nerve conduction velocity also known as NCV and electromyography or EMG). Through these tests, the Houston Chiro can identify any possible contraindications to the adjustments of the spine and chiropractic therapies.

Chiropractic Treatment of Sciatica Symptoms

Chiropractic treatment is aimed at improving the body’s ability to heal itself. Since restricted spinal movement results in pain, reduced performance and body functioning, the therapy works on the spinal adjustments. It’s a non-surgical (non-invasive) and drug free treatment approach.

Also, chiropractic therapy provided to the patient depends on the cause of sciatica. The different methods used in the treatment plan include ultrasound, ice/cold therapies, TENS, and spinal adjustments (also referred to as spinal manipulation).

Here Are More Detailed Explanations About The Best Chiropractic Treatment Methods

• Ice/Cold therapy

It controls sciatic pain by reducing inflammation.

• Ultrasound

Sound waves create gentle heat that deeply penetrates soft tissues such as muscles. It increases circulation and reduces cramping, spasms, stiffness, swelling, and sciatic pain.

• TENS unit

TENS unit (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is a small, box-shaped, battery-powered, and portable muscle stimulating machine. It helps control acute pain and reduce muscle pains through the intensity variations of electrical current control. Large, home-use TENS unit are mainly used by physical therapists, chiropractors, and other rehabilitation professionals.

• Adjustments ( Spinal Manipulation)

Chiropractic care by a Chiropractor Near Me mainly targets spinal adjustments. Spinal Manipulation liberates the restricted spinal movements and consequently returns the misaligned vertebral bodies (subluxation) to their initial, appropriate positions in the spinal column. Also, spinal adjustment reduces nerve irritability that causes inflammation, pain, muscle spasms, and other symptoms associated with sciatica. Not only is spinal manipulation pain-free, but it’s proven to be effective and safe as well.

Chiropractic students in college and during their training, learn different approaches so they can treat various types of disorders and subluxations. The techniques range from high-velocity thrust to those involving a combination of gentle pressure and minimal force. Mastering the techniques requires high-level skills and precision to make the best Chiropractor Houston. Finally, spinal manipulation treatment differentiates chiropractic care from other medical disciplines.

Find more information relating to Houston Chiro, and Sciatic Pain Treatment here.