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Hands-On Help: How a Chiropractor Can Provide Sciatica Pain Relief

Jul 27, 2023
If you’re tired of medicating your sciatica pain, discover natural solutions in this post. Read on to learn how chiropractors use spinal adjustments and other natural therapies to offer sciatica pain relief.

Approximately 40% of people will experience sciatica during some point in their lives. Characterized by pain, numbness, and tingling that radiates from the lower back down the leg, sciatica can seriously impact your quality of life. 

Chiropractic care is a natural and effective solution for those seeking relief from sciatic nerve pain. At Chiropractic, Rehab, and Sports Injuries of Louisville, the team, led by Michael Young, D.C., helps alleviate sciatica symptoms and promotes natural healing. Here’s how.

Understanding sciatica

Sciatica happens when there is irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. This nerve – the longest one in the human body – runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down each leg. When pinched or irritated, sharp, shooting pain runs along its path. Interestingly, sciatica typically affects one side of the body rather than both sides.

Why sciatica develops

Sciatica can have several underlying causes. These include:

  • Herniated disc: when the soft gel-like center of a spinal disc protrudes through a crack in the tough outer layer
  • Spinal stenosis: narrowing of the spinal canal because of age-related changes in the spine
  • Piriformis syndrome: tightness or injury in this deep buttock muscle
  • Lumbar spinal misalignment: when the vertebrae in the lower back become misaligned and disrupt the normal functioning of the spine

Dr. Young and his team can determine which of these factors is contributing to your sciatica and create a customized treatment plan.

How chiropractors approach sciatica

Chiropractors focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders like sciatica. Their holistic approach identifies and addresses the underlying causes of the condition rather than simply masking the symptoms with medications or other temporary treatments. 

Dr. Young starts your treatment with a thorough evaluation that includes a review of your medical history and any necessary diagnostic or imaging tests. 

Your treatment plan may include:

Spinal adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments, which are also called spinal manipulations, are the centerpiece of chiropractic care. Involving the application of controlled force to specific joints or vertebrae to improve their alignment and mobility, these manual techniques, especially in the context of sciatica, focus on realigning the spine to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, reducing inflammation and facilitating the body's natural healing process.

Targeted therapies

Dr. Young offers various therapeutic interventions to complement spinal adjustments and address sciatica symptoms. These may include massage therapy, therapeutic exercises, electrical stimulation, dry needling, and heat and cold therapy. These techniques help reduce muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and alleviate pain associated with sciatica.

Lifestyle recommendations

Chiropractors also provide valuable guidance on lifestyle modifications that can support the healing process and prevent future sciatica episodes. They may offer advice on proper posture and stretching routines as well as make nutritional recommendations to promote overall well-being.

Why see a chiropractor for sciatica

Chiropractic care is noninvasive and drug-free. Dr. Young focuses on natural healing techniques that have little to no side effects.

By addressing the root cause of sciatica, he helps restore balance to the musculoskeletal system, enhancing overall health and well-being. Chiropractic care offers long-term relief, enabling individuals to manage and prevent future sciatica episodes naturally.

If you’re struggling with sciatica, reach out to Chiropractic, Rehab, and Sports Injuries of Louisville to receive natural treatments that promote healing and relieve pain. Call today, or use the online tool to schedule your appointment.