Chiropractic Care for Sciatica

Are you struggling with sciatica but unsure of where to start? Sciatica is one of the most common yet often misunderstood types of pain. Harvard Medical School suggests that 40 percent of the population will suffer from this condition in their lifetime. Sciatica occurs in older people, 20 to 60 years old, and tends to become more common as you age. Does the sharp, shooting pain along your sciatic nerve make standing difficult? Is the burning sensation too intense that the discomfort worsens as you sneeze or cough?


If you’re looking for an alternative means to find relief from this, read on to find out how chiropractic care can help with sciatic nerve pain:
 

Spinal Manipulative Therapy

This technique is sometimes referred to as spinal manipulation. It generally involves the use of hands to apply a controlled force to a patient’s spinal joint. Experts agree that the use of spinal manipulation helps ease certain pain conditions. These include headaches, neck pain, and low back pain like sciatica.
 

Ultrasound Therapy

This treatment works by pulsing ultrasonic sound waves at the sciatic nerve. The waves stimulate the affected areas by penetrating the surface layers of the skin. This causes the underlying soft tissues to vibrate. The gentle healing vibrations help soothe the irritation in the affected area. Ultrasonic sound waves also increase blood flow, causing the tissues to relax. Regular ultrasound therapy sessions will reduce pain and speed up your healing process.
 

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Unit Therapy

This form of treatment uses a battery-operated portable machine to transmit varying intensities of electrical current at timed intervals on your body. The small box-like device, which is similar to a deck of playing cards in size, is attached by wires with electric conductors. These pads are positioned strategically on your body. Optimal results are achieved when the electrodes are placed on a pressure point near the painful area. The TENS unit is not only an excellent option for treating sciatica, but it can also be used for those who suffer from migraines, frozen shoulder syndrome, and osteoarthritis, among others.
 

At-Home Remedies

One of the effective self-care remedies to relieve pain from sciatic nerve pain is cold therapy. It generally involves applying ice or gel pack onto your lower back area, where nerve compression occurs. Apply the cold in an interval of 15 or 20 minutes on and off throughout the day. Cold therapy provides temporary relief. Other at-home tips include gentle exercises and stretches. If the pain doesn’t improve even after a couple of weeks, consult with a qualified chiropractor.

 

As you know, the pain from sciatica generally starts from the buttocks, then spreads to your hips, thighs, and the back of your legs. If you experience severe, electric shock-like pain in these areas, we highly recommend that you check with our skilled and experienced chiropractic medicine practitioners. At Whiplash Pain Center, we can offer different natural treatment options for your pain.

 

To learn more about chiropractic care for sciatica, contact Whiplash Pain Center in Summerville (843) 281-7837 or Charleston, SC (843) 972-7246.