Sciatica is a condition caused by the compression or pinching of a spinal nerve root in the lower back passing into the leg. Those with sciatica describes their symptoms in several ways, like sharp, achy and dull pain or even a “pins and needles”-type feeling. Others have also complained of burning or tingling feelings or even numbness. 

Sciatica affects the lower back, hips and legs, all along the sciatic nerve, which is the longest in your body. Many different conditions can cause sciatica, such as herniated or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, pregnancy, osteoarthritis and spondylolisthesis, among other things.

 

Thankfully, chiropractic care and physical therapy can treat pain caused by sciatica. 

 

Take a look at a few of the ways chiropractic and physical therapy can help those suffering from sciatica:

 

Decompression therapy and spinal manipulation have been used as solutions to treat sciatica and leg, arm, neck and back pain in chiropractic patients. These non-surgical options correct misalignments, reduce pressure on spinal discs, nerves and joints and free restricted movement of the spine to help get your body back to it's right position, all while alleviating you of pain at the same time. Chiropractic adjustments are safe and simple and should cause little to no pain at all.

 

A set list of exercises customized to your pain, symptoms and circumstances is another solid way to help those suffering from sciatica. By exercising under the guidance of professionals, your exercise therapy can help reduce your pain, increase your range-of-motion and strengthen you and your body. This type of physical therapy can also help prevent future injury and make you a happier, healthier person.

 

Physical therapy using therapeutic ultrasound is an effective practice that reaches deep into muscle tissues and joints to alleviate pain, stiffness, cramps, swelling and spasms. Heat and sound waves from the ultrasound also help to increase blood flow and circulation, along with reducing the aforementioned.

 

Relieving and releasing pressure on the sciatic nerve is paramount, which is why massage therapy is a wonderful option for those suffering from sciatica. Deep tissue massages not only can relieve this tension, but also have been known to increase joint flexibility while reducing muscle spasms and tightness. Additionally, physical therapy massages can promote a healthier immune system, decrease stretch marks and help relieve depression.

 

Icing and heating a problem area is often overlooked as a possibility; however, it is great treatment option to reduce pain and inflammation. For this reason, this type of therapy can help control sciatic pain and increase circulation, making for a faster healing process. Ice and cold are usually used in the first 48 hours of injuries to decrease pain, swelling and inflammation, while heat is typically used for chronic issues or injuries after the first 48 hours to help relax and loosen muscles and joint areas.

 

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) use machines that utilize electrical currents to help control and alleviate pain and muscle problems. 

 

 

Resources: Sea Girt Spine, Spine Universe

 

Yucha Chiropractic & Massage located in Pottstown, PA provides chiropractic treatment, including including physical therapy and massage therapy, to treat a plethora of ailments. Conditions treated include sports injuries, headaches and migraines, and back pain.  

 

Posted by: Caitlin Rickard