What is Sciatica or Sciatic Nerve Pain?

Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that originates in the lower back and travels down the legs. It can be caused by a herniated disk, an overgrowth of bone, or other medical conditions.  

There is some research which shows that a lumbar herniated disc causes upwards of 90% of sciatica cases.

Can Chiropractors Help Relieve Sciatica?

Recent studies indicate that chiropractic care has a sound track record for both alleviating symptoms and tackling the root cause of ailments, with one study indicating an impressive 72% success rate in treating sciatica. Comparable to physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT), chiropractic treatment utilizes manual techniques, stretching, and strength-building exercises as part of its regimen.

What Methods do Chiropractors Use to Treat Sciatica?

Chiropractors help relieve sciatic nerve pain by using several different manual techniques such as ice/cold therapies, ultrasound, electric muscle stimulation, spinal decompression,  and spinal adjustments. Chiropractors also use stretching and strength-building exercises to alleviate the symptoms of sciatica, and help reduce future flare ups. 

Spinal Adjustments Help Reduce Pain from Sciatica

Chiropractors use manual adjustments to restore spinal alignment and reduce inflammation. This helps to alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve and provide relief from sciatica-related pain. Spinal adjustments can also reduce muscle tension and improve movement in the spine, which can further reduce pain from sciatica.

Chiropractors also endeavor to strengthen muscles that support the spine, which helps limit or lessen future episodes of sciatica. By strengthening these muscles through targeted exercises, chiropractors can help minimize the risk of recurring pain from sciatica.

Ice/Cold Therapies To Treat Pain from Sciatica

A chiropractor will use ice therapy in treating sciatica in order to accomplish the following:

• Lessen pain 
• Numb the affected area 
• Reduce muscle spasms
• Decrease inflammation
• Prevent swelling

Spinal Decompression To Treat Pain from Sciatica

A less invasive sciatica treatment alternative is a gentle, non-surgical spinal decompression treatment using a spinal decompression machine such as the ABS spinal decompression DRX9000 pictured.  This spinal decompression treatment involves gently decompressing the involved spinal disks, thus relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve.

What are the results of Spinal Decompression Research to relieve pain?

Patients now have a non- surgical option to relieve the nonstop pain they have been experiencing from various ailments such as sciatica. This spinal decompression technology today appears to be a dream come true for those who suffer with compressed disks. Research indicates that 92% patients report overall improvement, and of these, 5% improved 25-50%; 17% improved 50-75%; 70% improved 75-100%. (Gose, Naguszewski & Naguszewski , The Journal of Neurological Research, Volume 20)

As more people are experiencing relief and full recovery using the technology available, this dream becomes a reality. If you have tried chiropractic manipulations, physical therapy, drugs, and do not want to assume the risks associated with back surgery, then spinal decompression is the next logical choice in treating sciatica.

Ultrasound Stimulation To Treat Sciatica

Chiropractors treating sciatica may opt to use ultrasound therapy in order to help their patients manage any discomfort or pain caused by this ailment. This treatment uses sound waves that penetrate deeply into the soft tissues of the affected area, aiming to improve circulation and reduce muscle spasms,as this has been known to alleviate pain. Ultimately, ultrasound therapy seeks to provide relief from sciatica-related discomfort and pain.

Electric Muscle Stimulation To Treat Sciatica

Electrical Muscle Stimulation is an exceptional way to help the body in the healing process if you are suffering from Sciatica. This is accomplished by sending a very small electrical current into the affected area of the sciatic nerve. The therapy utilizes this current in an effort to help reduce swelling and release trigger points that may have the muscle locked up. It does this by helping the body to release natural relievers of pain often referred to as endorphins.

This is a great therapy to treat Sciatica. It works well in relaxing the muscle and allowing it to return to its normal state rather quickly. Short therapy sessions are excellent at facilitating healing from acute and chronic pain associated with Sciatica. 

What Exercises Do Chiropractors Recommend For Sciatica?

Types of exercises that chiropractors may use to help reduce sciatic nerve pain include strengthening exercises, such as weightlifting, resistance training and core stabilization. These exercises can help to strengthen the muscles that support the spine and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. Additionally, stretching and range-of-motion exercises can be used to increase flexibility and help alleviate pain associated with sciatica. 

Here are three very useful stretching exercises that you can use to help alleviate sciatica related pain:

Lying Knee-to-Chest Stretch for Sciatic Nerve Pain

• Lie on your back with your legs extended. Try not to arch your back.
• Slowly bring one knee toward your chest and grasp it with both of your hands (either behind or on top of the knee).
• Gently pull on the knee until you feel a mild stretch in your lower spine and hip.
• Hold 5 to 30 seconds. Lower slowly.
• Do two to four repetitions

Glute Bridge Exercise for Sciatic Nerve pain

Strengthening your glutes can help reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve and improve overall muscle tone to decrease future sciatica flare ups. 

• Lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart. Your arms should be relaxed at your sides. 
• Push through your heels to raise your hips until you create a straight line from your shoulders to your knees, and hold this position for a few seconds 
• Now, slowly lower them back down to the floor. 
• Repeat as necessary for best results

Standing Hamstring Stretch for Sciatic Nerve pain

• Stand straight up and put one foot on a higher surface, like a chair or stair step
• Straighten the leg on the chair while pointing your toes up in the air 
• Lean forward slowly while keeping your back straight
• Hold for 15 to 30 seconds while breathing regularly
• Alternate legs and do the same for both for three repetitions per leg

Does Acupuncture help relieve Sciatica pain?

The results from recent research found in the national library of medicine,  “indicate that acupuncture is clinically effective, reduces pain intensity, and increases pain threshold in patients with sciatica compared with medication.”

As such, Chiropractors licensed in acupuncture, such as DR. Eric LeBeouf, licensed and practicing for over 20 years, is adept at relieving sciatica pain through acupuncture.

Other Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Sciatic Nerve Pain

Research has shown that regular visits to a chiropractor can lead to improved mobility, better posture, and less fatigue throughout the day—all of which can help relieve symptoms associated with sciatic nerve pain.  Through manual adjustments and targeted exercises, chiropractors work to alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve while also strengthening other muscles in order to prevent future episodes of sciatica from occurring. Furthermore, because chiropractic care focuses on holistic wellness rather than symptom management alone, it helps people achieve optimal health without relying solely on medications or surgery.

If you’re suffering from chronic sciatic nerve pain and would like relief without taking medication or undergoing surgery, consider visiting our doctors at Anewchiro chiropractic  for sciatica pain relief today.